)
Even as contributions to the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) for conservation of buildings and renovations qualify as CSR under new Companies Act 2013, the institute is continuing to reach out to corporates to fund the project.
The IIM-A has undertaken campus restoration under which, in the first phase, analysis of heritage structure was done by Somaya and Kalappa, architects involved in the project. The architects have also given the institute a plan to complete the project in three phases, details of which the institute is still working out.
In response to enquiries regarding IIM-A's restoration project, the institute stated, "We are happy to let you know that the activity has now gained momentum with regard to development of plans and phases in which the restoration work will be conducted."
According to IIM-A, the complete project is estimated to cost between Rs 50-75 crore. "We have been reaching out to several corporations to fund this project. Contributions to IIM-A for conservation of buildings and renovations qualify within the ambit of CSR under the new Companies Act 2013 of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs under 'protection of national heritage, art and culture, restoration of sights of historical importance'. We are willing to recognize significant contributions by offering naming rights," the institute further stated in an official communique.
"IIM-A's heritage campus is an evocative set of structures with tremendous appeal to our students, faculty and alumni. It has been recognized by architects the world over as an extraordinary architectural accomplishment of the 20th Century. The heritage campus is a treasure for the people of India and, indeed, the world. We seek the support of visionary institutions and like-minded corporations to help preserve and restore this exceptional campus," said Ashish Nanda, director, IIM-A.
