Highlighting that a 'cordial dialogue' with the Union human resource ministry was the 'solution' to the fee-cut and the autonomy issues, the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad has decided to 'maintain a status quo in its fee structure for the fresh batch' and said it 'would consider a revision only after talks were held.'
When asked if the status quo meant that they were going against the HRD ministry's instruction to slash fee, IIM-A Board of Governors Chairman and Infosys chief N R Narayana Murthy, evading a direct reply, told reporters that there would be status quo on the fee structure and 'a revision will be considered only after talks are held with the ministry.'
Murthy said, "The board of governors that met on Saturday did not discuss the PIL filed before the Supreme Court or details about the IIMs being asked to be a party to it. We do not know what will be the decision but will hold talks with the ministry first."
"Maintaining the status quo would mean that the fee structure of Rs 158,000 would remain the same. Talks would be on with the HRD ministry, there is a PIL and based on the outcome of these events the board will consider revision," Murthy said.
The IIM-A chairman also categorically denied reports that "a fee-hike was suggested during the Society's meet that took place on Friday in his presence."
"No such proposal (of hiking fee) was made before us. Two resolutions were passed authorising the Board chairman to come to a decision on the crucial issues and it stands that way," Murthy said when asked about the reports in a section of media on Saturday.
However, the two government representatives did not attend the meeting.