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NEW DELHI: A
Parliamentary Standing Committee has urged the Government
to take expedite the decision to convert the Indian Institute
of Mass Communication in Delhi to an International Media University
offering courses in tune with the changing needs of the media
and entertainment industry.
The
Standing Committee for Information Technology said in its
report on the budgetary demands for grants for 2007-08 that
it was imperative that a set of degree as well as diploma
courses catering to third world countries.
The Committee has noted with concern that despite tall claims,
there has been little progress for upgrading the institute
and pursuing the Planning Commission for approval. It also
noted that there was no clarity among the authorities on the
courses that will be offered to the students by the University.
Prompt
measures should be taken to bring about overall improvement
in the functioning of the institute, the Committee headed
by Member of Parliament Nikhil Kumar said.
It was also noted that the vacant faculty positions which
the Committee was informed about a year ago had still not
been filled. Furthermore, "despite the tall claims and
the available funds, hardly has any progress been made in
entering into collaboration with Regional centres of learning
for course in mass communication to make available the Institute's
expertise through the existing centres.
The
dismal performance of the Institute in these spheres raises
doubts about the capability of the institution to expand its
operations beyond the existing framework.
According to a reply given to the Committee in December last,
the Information and Broadcasting Ministry proposed an outlay
of Rs 130 million for effecting improvements, according to
a separate Action Taken Report on the recommendations of the
Committee in its report while examining the demands for grants
for 2006-2007.
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