IIMC Amravati Faces Crisis: Hindi Journalism Course Axed Amid Low Enrollment and Student Unrest
AMRAVATI – The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) has officially discontinued its Postgraduate Diploma course in Hindi Journalism at its Amravati centre for the current academic year, casting a shadow over the future of the regional campus.
The Amravati centre, established as a strategic initiative by former President Pratibha Patil to foster professional media education for the youth of the Vidarbha region, is now grappling with severe operational challenges. According to a report by the Times of India, the decision to shutter the Hindi Journalism department was triggered by a complete failure to meet the minimum threshold of students required to run the program.
A Struggle for Admissions
Regional Director Raj Singh Kushwaha confirmed that the institute mandates a minimum of 10 students to sustain a course. With insufficient enrollment for the Hindi program, the few students who had applied have been offered transfers to the institute’s Jammu centre.
The situation across other departments is equally concerning. While the institute has a sanctioned capacity of 30 seats each for Hindi, English, and Marathi journalism, current numbers are well below these targets. Official data shows only 9 students enrolled in English journalism and 10 in Marathi. Even after accounting for two external students added to the English program, total enrollment stands at a precarious 21 students across two departments.
Student Discontent and Allegations
Beyond the numbers, the Amravati centre is facing a wave of criticism from its current student body. Many have raised significant concerns regarding the quality of education and the lack of professional support.
Students have alleged a marked absence of career placement assistance and limited networking opportunities within the media industry. Furthermore, there are complaints regarding insufficient faculty and poor infrastructure. One startling claim made by students suggests that during the previous academic year, the English journalism course was taught in Hindi, raising questions about the academic rigor and language standards maintained at the institute.
Marathi journalism students have also expressed dissatisfaction, citing that their expectations regarding employment and industry preparedness have not been met. While students argue that there is a critical shortage of teaching staff, Director Kushwaha maintains that the centre currently employs four faculty members, adhering to the norms established by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
A Uncertain Future
The rapid decline of the Amravati centre—which has seen its reputation falter just four years after its inception—has become a point of concern for educators and students alike. Despite efforts by the administration to promote the courses and boost enrollment figures, the campus remains largely underutilized.
As the PG course in Hindi journalism reaches its end at the centre, the IIMC administration faces increasing pressure to address the structural and pedagogical issues that continue to drive students away. Whether the institute can revive its flagship regional initiative or faces further downsizing remains to be seen.
