A huge controversy erupted on Monday after the Human Resources Development (HRD) Ministry accorded ‘Institute of Eminence’ (IOE) status to three public and three privately owned institutions, which included Reliance group’s proposed Jio University.
Many personalities and political leaders on social media hit out at the Modi Government, alleging them of favouritism to Reliance group and Mukesh Ambani. Many questioned the government’s move, as to how an institute that is yet to be established could be accorded Institute of Eminence status?
This preferential treatment to an Ambani University that does not yet exist is shocking. Particularly when several first-rate private universities have been bypassed. Are they being punished for the brilliance and independence of mind of their scholars? https://t.co/WQKmXcG2Jy
— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) July 10, 2018
Absolutely astounding! HRD ministry declares a 'yet to be opened' Ambani owned 'Jio Institute' as one of 6 'institutions of eminence', along with IITs & IIMs! Can't imagine a more grotesque joke on the country & a more blatant act of cronyism! https://t.co/34byKhOPwH
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) July 10, 2018
Some of them even went on to suggest that the Modi Government had provided a Rs 1000 crore grant to Jio Institute.
Dear Indians,
Before you laugh at the 'Insitute of Eminence' status to Jio Institute, remember that the joke is on you. ₹1000 crores of your money is being given to a non-existent institute. And all this while even our Primary Education is in complete shambles. Let that sink in.— Sanjiv Bhatt (IPS) (@sanjivbhatt) July 9, 2018
Does Jio Institute have a building ? Website ? Has any student graduated from here ?
Why has govt declared it an Institute of Eminence & giving it a Rs 1000 cr grant ?
— Sid (@sidmtweets) July 9, 2018
So let me get this straight. Reliance’s Jio Institute currently has no students…no courses…no teachers…no buildings…only really exists on paper at the moment. But you have given it the status of ‘Institute of Eminence’ along with a grant of ₹1000 cr? Bravo, sir, bravo! https://t.co/U66sONvcow
— Krishan Partap Singh (@RaisinaSeries) July 9, 2018
“Does Jio Institute have a building ? Website ? Has any student graduated from here ? Why has govt declared it an Institute of Eminence & giving it a Rs 1000 cr grant ? This is the most outrageous and shameful decision,” said state media coordinator of Aam Aadmi Party in Haryana, Sudhir Yadav.
Does Jio Institute have a building ? Website ? Has any student graduated from here ?
Why has govt declared it an Institute of Eminence & giving it a Rs 1000 cr grant ? This is the most outrageous and shameful decision. #JioInstitute #ElectionFunding https://t.co/5nzarxuGbG
— Sudhir Yadav (@SudhirRTI) July 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/UmarKhalidJNU/status/1016610593623683073
Amid all the controversy and criticism, The HRD Ministry that is led by Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, came out to issue a detailed clarification “In response to some misinformation campaign in social media about the IOE tag”.
In response to some misinformation campaign in social media regarding "Institutes of Eminence", please find herewith clarifications on commonly raised questions #InstituteofEminence pic.twitter.com/K6IB5ILpfb
— Ministry of HRD (@HRDMinistry) July 9, 2018
The clarification from HRD Ministry made it clear that clause 6.1 of the UGC allows the Ministry to grant the IOE status to a proposed institution. Under this clause, HRD Ministry had received applications from eleven proposed institutions among which only the JIO University met with all the necessary parameters needed for the status. The parameters for it are,
1. Availability of land for construction of the institution
2. Putting in place a core team with very high qualification and wide experience
3. Making available funding for setting up the institution
4. A strategic vision plan with clear annual milestones and action plan.
The move was taken as a part of HRD Ministry’s plan to accord IOE status to in total ten public and ten private universities across the country. The public institutions under this status would be given 1,000 crore assistance from the Ministry along with autonomy. However the government has made it vividly clear that Private institutions under the status would not be given any financial assistance, though they’ll enjoy autonomy to achieve academic excellence.
