There is good news for institutes of higher learning, which had been under pressure during the national Democratic Alliance government.

The new Human Resources Development Minister Arjun Singh on Monday said that such institutions would be given full autonomy and that he would hold dialogue with them on the issue.

"We have already said all institutions of higher learning must have autonomy. I will have to look into it, the matter has gone to the court," Singh, who took charge of the ministry, said when asked by reporters about the previous government's controversial decision to slash fee in IIMs.

• The IIM Controversy

Asked about the IIMs' desire to hold a dialogue with the ministry, he said: "I am prepared for dialogue with anyone, why only with IIMs."

In reply to a question whether he proposed to take steps to correct 'saffronisation' of education system by the NDA government, the minister said: "I am not starting with any prejudice. What has to be done will be done."

"Let me first see. Give me at least a day's time," he said.

To a specific question about the demand of the Left parties to detoxify the academic institutions, Singh said there would be 'no witch hunt.'