Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) has issued a notification that if irregularities are detected in surprise checks,it will shut down institutes affiliated to it without notice. These institutes offer diploma and advanced diploma courses. We have been receiving complaints since last year that institutes getting fees reimbursed from the state government by submitting false and fabricated documents. We have decided to investigate the matter. As a warning,we have issued the circular so that erring institutes are aware of consequences, said Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education director P M Khodke. The complaints include flouting norms laid down by the state and inflating the number of students. We have received complaints that there are no institutes at some of the addresses registered with the government. At the time of visits by expert committees,students and teachers are paraded. But otherwise,there are no students and teachers. Some of these institutes have no opening or closing times,while others do not have requisite equipment and facilities. We will take strict action against them, Khodke said. He said surprise checks will now be conducted,in addition to the regular academic monitoring process. Institutes with poor performaces would be issued showcause notices and close down immediately. We will take responsibility and ensure students do not lose out on an academic year, Khodke said.
