In a move to reduce the gap between the number of degree-level technical institutes and polytechnics, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has withdrawn the powers given to states for processing of applications for grant of approval to new polytechnics and extension of courses.
These powers pertain to the grant of approval to new polytechnics, extension of approvals, variations in intake, new courses to the existing diploma institutes. These applications will now be processed by AICTE through on-line mode in line with the process of e-governance for granting approval to degree-level institutions. States could also allow additional course in existing programme and besides governing their closure .
“The power was delegated to the states in 2001but now, we want to create a national database on education and hence, the need to coordinate and monitor these institutes for standards to be maintained,? AICTE chairman SS Mantha told FE.
The decision came because the regulatory body decided to introduce a system of e- governance in its approval process for diploma and post-diploma level institutions to ensure transparency and swiftness in decision making in accordance with the system adopted for degree level technical institutions.
There are almost 2,500 polytechnics in the country and their annual intake is approximately half that of the the degree-level engineering institutions. They offer three year diploma programmes in engineering and technology, applied arts and crafts and other courses. At its last meeting, the council took note of the wide gap between the number of degree-level technical institutes and polytechnics and felt the need for promotion of polytechnic education in the country.