FOREWORD
 

The opening up of the Indian economy has created a vibrant industrial scene. As it gears up to face stiff global competition, the need for a technology, system, which responds quickly to emerging needs, becomes imperative. Not only are we moving towards what Peter Drucker described as the 'knowledge society' but technology and management functions are increasingly merging. As the essence of progress is to make knowledge productive, our challenge is to find the way to train and create 'knowledge workers'.

Excessive control over the functioning of the IITs has eroded their flexibility and, as a result, their ability to respond rapidly to "customer" needs. For this, to change operational autonomy is vital. Utilisation of resources has also been sub-optimal as these institutions have largely functioned in isolation. The new reality of reduction in budgetary support has to be recognised by all stake holders, i.e., students, faculty and industry. Alternate means of resource generation will alone ensure survival and continued upgradation of institutional capability which emerging needs demand. Students have to recognise that higher technical education is subsidized and draws heavily upon national resources urgently needed for primary education, faculty has to fulfill a larger role by developing inter-institutional linkages which bring in increased revenue; and industry has to increasingly invest in these institutions of excellence to ensure that they continue to remain so.

It has been my privilege to chair the IIT Sub-Group. Discussions between members have often been critical but always constructive. Nine meetings were held including one in which all Directors of IIT participated. The Sub-Group also had the opportunity of a presentation from Dr. Amar Gupta on the schemes which MIT has instituted to strengthen linkages with industry and generate resources.

This report presents specific recommendations for implementation. As desired by the Minister of Human Resource Development. the report has been kept brief and focusses sharply on implementable recommendations.

Vinay Kumar Modi New Delhi 30 November 1995