Enhancing Institutional Governance Beyond the Society's Act of 1860 (Steps to Improve Autonomous Institutes' Administration through Board of Governors)

Abstract

Most of the autonomous institutes in India are governed by the Society's Act, 1860. It is usually assumed that the institutes are well run by the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) who have to implement the approved policies of the government and theBoard of Governors.A few CEOs determine the desired agenda, selectively implement the policies and omit many keydecisions which will be conducive for the growth of the institute andfaculty.Considering the excellence in administration and high academic performance, the research work centers on addressing the vulnerabilities in the institutional administration, building response capacity of the Board of Governors, managing leadership risks and confronting the degradation of the institute. From the analyses of the cases, it is proposed the following standing committees under the Board of Governors: • Academic Affairs Committee • Financial Control, Purchase, and Audit Committee • Faculty Recruitment and Internal Governance Committee • Institutional Development Committee, and • Ad hoc Committee By constituting these committees, the Board can lead appropriate governance and ensure high performance which would facilitate academic excellence by contributing to the knowledge and human capitals.