Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, DD: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu signed an MoU with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) at SAIL Ispat Bhawan at New Delhi on 29th Sept 2025 to collaborate on executive education, research, consultancy, case study development, and capacity-building initiatives.
The MoU outlines a broad framework of collaboration, including customized and open management development programs, faculty exchange, joint research, student engagement through projects, internships, and industry visits, and co-hosting of conferences and case competitions. The MoU was signed by Mr. Sanjay Dhar, Officiating ED (HR-L&D), SAIL/MTI Ranchi, and Cmdr Kesavan Baskkaran (R), Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu, in the presence of Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Co-Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu along with Shri Krishna Kumar Singh, Director (Personnel), SAIL. Present during the occasion were Shri Bhupendra Singh Popli, ED (HR), and other officials from SAIL.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, said that the MoU marks a significant step in bridging academia and industry. He stressed that the collaboration would not only strengthen the leadership pipeline of SAIL but also create impactful opportunities for students and faculty to engage with real-world challenges of the steel and allied sectors. He added that the partnership would drive knowledge creation through joint research, case studies, and consultancy projects, further enhancing IIM Jammu’s academic rigor. He also noted that such collaborations embody the institute’s vision of contributing to nation-building by developing leaders who can deliver excellence across industries.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, highlighted that the MoU reflects IIM Jammu’s growing role as a trusted partner for public sector enterprises. He noted that the partnership with SAIL will enrich the institute’s academic ecosystem by enabling co-creation of knowledge and impactful case studies that can shape management education at large.
Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, mentioned that this collaboration will enable the design of impactful training programmes tailored to the dynamic requirements of SAIL executives. He emphasized that such engagements open new avenues for knowledge exchange and long-term value creation.
Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Co-Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, in his address underlined that the MoU is a key milestone in strengthening the institute’s executive education footprint. He highlighted IIM Jammu’s focus on research, consultancy, and training to create sustainable impact for SAIL and its workforce, while also giving an overview of the institute’s growth, its academic excellence, and the role of Executive Education and Consultancy. He further noted that programs like the EMBA and Ph.D. for working professionals are designed to nurture leadership and management excellence.
Shri Krishna Kumar Singh, Director (Personnel), SAIL, expressed that the collaboration with IIM Jammu will help SAIL build cutting-edge leadership and management capabilities. He emphasized that such partnerships are critical for aligning the organization’s learning culture with the rapidly evolving needs of the steel industry and for nurturing talent that can lead SAIL into the future.
Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran (R), Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu, in his address highlighted the institute’s world-class infrastructure and conducive learning environment. He added that IIM Jammu, with its state-of-the-art permanent campus at Jagti, is steadily emerging as a hub of excellence in management education.
This collaboration reinforces IIM Jammu’s mission to contribute towards nation-building by developing leadership excellence and SAIL’s commitment to continuous learning and capability enhancement of its executive’s public sector enterprises while strengthening its role as a hub of management excellence.DD
