IIM-like B-school in Bihar on cards

Bihar will have a management institute on the pattern of IIMs by next year. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar discussed the modalities for opening the institute in the state capital with the director of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Dr BS Dholakia, in Ahmedabad on Sunday and sought his help in opening the institute.

The IIM director accepted Kumar's invitation and assured him all help from his team in establishing a management institute. A team of experts from the IIM-A would help the State Government in preparing the curriculum besides helping in developing the basic infrastructure. The CM assured the director that funds would not be a problem for developing the institute.

Kumar also interacted with nearly 40 students from Bihar and extended them an invitation to use their expertise in the state. The students showed their willingness and assured the CM that they would visit the state in January and conduct a study.

Later, Kumar addressed over 1,000 B-school students, including 200 foreign students on "The Challenges and opportunities in transforming Bihar as a vibrant wealth creation", organised as part of Confluence 2006 at the IIM campus.

Nearly 20 top-ranking B-schools from UK, USA and Far-East are taking part in this global event, being sponsored by the Tata Group of companies at an estimated budget of Rs 8 million.

Kumar became the third Bihari after Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and IIT-trainer Anand Kumar, to address the students of one of the country's premier B-schools.

While showcasing the initiatives taken by his government to usher in a new era of development in the state, he requested the business gurus of IIM- Ahmedabad to "show the way and extend their help in meaningfully addressing some of the broader development challenges".

"I've come here to interact, learn and improve my comprehension about option and opportunities," he told the gathering. "Standard development needs participation of the Centre, the states, academic community, voluntary organisations, scientists and knowledge managers," he said.

"While my commitment to accelerate all-round development remains singular and indivisible, we need partnership. I am seeking to innovate and leap frog. IIM-Ahmedabad may have lessons and perceptions on how to achieve this leap-frogging and how to address some of the broader development challenges," he said.

Email Vijay Swaroop: vswaroop@hindustantimes.com