AICTE gets 21 applications for new institutes

But after the AICTE issued a notice, calling for applications for the 2014-15 academic year, DTE too issued a circular last week, outlining the approval proves of AICTE for new technical institutes. The DTE has called for hearings for those who have applied — Mumbai and Nashik hearings are scheduled on May 21, while Pune and Aurangabad are slated on May 22.

The move has been criticised by senior academicians, who said that even though the committee’s report exposed the weaknesses of the system, the state machinery has acted contrary to its own panel’s suggestions.

“The state-appointed panel has said no more institutes are required as well as no increase in intake capacity in the existing institutes in any branches. Another committee, headed by DTE last year, had also submitted a report to the state, suggesting a cap to the number of seats that should be approved, based on the quality of the institute, covering aspects like infrastructure, teaching staff and opportunities for students, among others. Why did the state go through the process of appointing a committee, if it had no intention of considering the problems which have been highlighted and implementing the suggestions?” questioned a senior faculty of an engineering college, who did not wish to be named.

According to AICTE chairman S S Mantha, the council has received 236 applications in all for starting new institutes, with a large chunk coming from Gujarat (37), Kerala (26), Andhra Pradesh (23), Maharashtra (21) and Tamil Nadu (18).

He further said that of the 398 applications received for starting polytechnics, 114 have been approved, including 11 from Maharashtra.

mihika.basu@expressindia.com