The newly installed Indian Institute of Management, in Shillong, has been allowed to hire foreign faculty by the Human Resource Development Ministry. Similar proposals from six existing IIMs are also under consideration. The foreign experts would teach ‘specific subjects’ included in the curriculum of the institute.
Fear of a shortage of ‘Quality Indian Faculty’ in the near future has prompted the IIMs to look for faculties outside the country. Foreign faculties have in the past, taught at these institutes but as a guest or visiting professors.
Ashok Dutta, The first director of the Shillong IIM said, "The foreign faculties we have contacted include non-resident Indians as well as US Nationals.” The only question before the Board of Governors is whether to hire these faculties as full time teachers or experts, to come over and teach specific subjects, said a board member.
The Shillong IIM is admitting 60 students this year and expects to double the capacity in three years.