In a possible showdown between the Indian Institutes of Management and the Union HRD ministry, the IIM-A has 'rejected' recommendations of R C Bhargava Committee.

In a recent report submitted to the Union HRD ministry, on the recommendations of R C Bhargava committee, the IIM-A governing board council strongly argued against creation of Pan-IIM board.

"Recently we submitted our report to the ministry on the recommendations made by the R C Bhargava Committee, arguing that no change in governance structure at the IIMs was required," Director IIM-A Samir Barua told PTI, on the sidelines of Agri Business Summit Amaethon-2009.

"The limitation is that if you split the board in two, one board that will set the strategy that is Pan-IIM board and the other board which will implement the policy, then you are creating a dichotomy between those who will set the policies and those who will implement them," Barua said.

"Now if the performance does not happen then who is to be held accountable," he added.

"Presently its a single board that sets the policies and its also accountable for the performance, the framing of policy and implementation or both resides in one entity so you can hold the board accountable for non-performance," Barua said adding, "If it is split then accountability is not there."

Union HRD ministry had constituted a committee to review performance of IIMs, led by R C Bhargava on October 17, 2007.

The committee submitted its report to the government in September 25, 2008 suggesting creation of Pan-IIM board.