IIMC aims to achieve deemed university status

One of the premiere institutes for journalism in the country, the India Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), is now aiming towards achieving a deemed university status.

The ministry of information and broadcasting has already approved their proposal but the same would be sent for consideration to the University Grants Commission (UGC) soon. Once the institute is granted the status of a deemed university, the Film and Television Institute in Pune, Satyajithrai Film and Television Institute and National Centre of Excellence in Gaming and Animation to be set up under PPP model in Mumbai will be brought under the ambit of IIMC.

However, following a dearth of expertise and technology in setting up community radio stations, IIMC would also try to expedite opening community radio stations across the country.

According to the newly appointed director-general of IIMC, K.G. Suresh, IIMC, while setting a benchmark, has been giving its listeners a unique experience through its Apna Radio in New Delhi.

“We will provide the expertise and technology needed for those who wish to start community radios,” Mr Suresh said.

Over the past sixty years, IIMC has been maintaining first position as a brand among all communication and journalism institutes in the country.

But according to Mr Suresh, there has been a decline in the number of research activities at the institute following which he is working hard to restore the institute’s academic glory.

In the past, 1,500 journalists from 125 developing countries have been trained at the institute, which has been coaching Indian Information Service recruiters.

“As of now, students are studying foreign books. India as a nation has peculiar problems, which warrant peculiar solutions. To equip the students, we will sensitise the students about the rural life of the country and give exposure in social sciences, literature, science and other facets of life. This would require extending the course to a two-year tenure. But before implementing this, discussions will be held with the stake holders”, Mr Suresh said.