In an apparent softening of his stand, Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh on Wednesday said the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management would have to first amend their Memorandum of Association if they want to open campuses abroad.
"If such a Memorandum of Association allows opening branches outside the country, we will not come in their way. If it does not, then first have it amended and make an effort," he said at the Sixth Editors' Conference on Social Sector Issues in New Delhi.
IIMs can't go global 'as of now
IIM-Bangalore's ambitious plan to open a campus in Singapore got a jolt on January 11 when the human resource development ministry denied permission to the prestigious business school, asking it to first cater to the demand at home considering the huge demand-supply gap in IIM seats.
Govt stops IIM-B from opening Singapore campus
Denying the charge that his ministry's response to IIM-B's proposal came "too late" when the Bangalore institution had already started the groundwork, he said that the IIMs have to consider any review in the MoA and once it was done, "we will certainly look at it".
Observing that MoA did not permit opening campuses outside the country, he said that if decisions were taken on matters, which were not within their competence, then nobody should worry about the timeframe.
Singh, however, maintained that before they venture into foreign shores, IIMs should help students of this country to have access to education in the higher areas, which they were imparting now.