145;No new Primary Training Colleges in 2009-10146;

There are around 450 PTCs and 140 B.Ed colleges in the state and about 45 per cent of them do not have sufficient number of students.

In the last two academic years, there was a sudden growth in the number of PTCs in Gujarat. It has gone up to 450 from 200, said a senior official from the State Education Department on condition of anonymity.

The official added that around 80 per cent of these colleges will have to be shut down by the end of this academic year if proper steps are not taken to improve their situation.

Moreover, around 90 per cent of these colleges, which are affiliated to Gujarat University GU are not in good shape.

Sudhir Nanavati, President of the Association of B.Ed Colleges told Newsline: 8220;Many students who have completed their B.Ed from these colleges complain that the placement is not up to the mark. Even the quality has been affected. So, there is an urgent need to stop opening such colleges any more.8221;

8220;About 30 B.Ed colleges in the state are on the verge of closure due to insufficient number of students. The other 25 per cent might have to be shut down due to new rules and regulations, which have been framed to run such colleges,8221; added Nanavati.

He further said, 8220;This is a good decision by the NCTE.8221;

D G Gohil, Managing Trustee of the Vision Education Trust, Ahmedabad, said that the situation of B.Ed colleges in the state is poor.

8220;The average salary of a trained student is Rs 4,500 per month, which remains the same for five years. One can not survive and support the family with this salary,8221; he said.

Ravindra Khatri, Principal of Shri S G Roa College of Teacher Education of Veda, Mansa Taluka, Gandhinagar district, added: 8220;There are few quality PTCs in the state. Although many PTCs have come up, they lack excellence.8221;