New Delhi, Sep 8 : The Indian Institute of Mass Communication will have four more branches – one each in Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Southern and Western India.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni announced this at the 42nd Convocation function held at IIMC, New Delhi today.

The Minister said that these Institutes would be set up in a phased manner and proposals will be firmed up soon in consultation with the concerned agencies and the State Governments.

Soni also said that IIMC will be upgraded as an International Media University.

The Ministry is working out the modalities to develop this Institute into a world-class media education, training and research University.

After upgradation to an International Media University, IIMC will be able to award degrees in addition to the Post Graduate Diplomas it currently awards.

IIMC will also be able to start courses at the Under-Graduate and Post Graduate level and award M. Phil and Ph D degrees, Smt Soni elaborated. (ANI)