Kolkata: Former UGC chief M Jagadesh Kumar has been appointed chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) at IIM-Calcutta, according to Union education ministry officials.Confirming the development, IIM-Calcutta director Alok Kumar Rai said Kumar brought with him immense experience in governance and administration in higher education institutions. Kumar was appointed for a four-year term after approval from President Droupadi Murmu. The position fell vacant after Shrikrishna G Kulkarni resigned.Kumar previously served as JNU vice-chancellor and professor at IIT Delhi, and was recently awarded the Padma Shri for his distinguished contribution to education.The BoG is responsible for strategic direction, policy formulation and financial approvals. Comprised of industry leaders, eminent academics and government representatives, the Board ensures academic excellence and operational autonomy.According to the IIM (Amendment) Rules, 2023, the President has the power to nominate the chairperson of the BoG —the principal executive body of each IIM — and to appoint search panels for new directors, take policy decisions, approve annual budgets and determine fees.
