AICTE loss is UGC gain

It’s final now! The University Grants Commission has formally initiated steps to take over approval, supervision and study the issues concerning all technical institutions in the country which have been hitherto monitored by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). In the process, the AICTE would cease to exist over a period of time. In fact, this was hinted by Dr SS Mantha, Chairman of AICTE, in a recent visit to Hyderabad.

The apex court had on April 25 this year ruled that colleges affiliated to a university do not come under the purview of the definition of "technical institution" as defined in AICTE Act, 1987. Though Dr Mantha labored hard to explain that the role of AICTE would continue as it was created with an Act of Parliament, Supreme Court’s ruling has dealt a lethal blow to the central body.

Following the verdict, it has become imperative for the universities and UGC to evolve a suitable methodology to ensure that existing technical or engineering colleges affiliated to universities do not dilute standards of technical education imparted by them. Now, UGC has come out with draft regulations for approval of colleges offering technical education in wake of a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year.

In the new system, it is the affiliating university which will call the shots with respect to the approval or cancellation of the tech institute. Under the draft regulations, every university shall maintain a list of unapproved colleges offering programmes in technical education based on the information received and verified by the university and shall also inform the UGC and general public about the same from time to time.

Besides, colleges that are offering technical education already without following approval procedure shall be treated as unapproved college. Colleges imparting courses in technical education in temporary location or at location not approved by the university shall be liable for action. In case of such a withdrawal of approval to the college, operations of the said college and course shall not be started again before completion of two academic years from the date of such a withdrawal.

No college shall offer programmes and courses in technical education without the approval of the affiliating University. All unapproved colleges shall submit an application before admitting any subsequent batch of students, who are admitted prior to approval by the University, will not have any right for re-admission and will have to fulfil all the requirements for admission as prescribed by the competent admission authority of the University. No course other than those specifically approved by the University or UGC shall run in the same premises sharing the same facilities.

The University would initiate penal, civil or criminal action against defaulting colleges, societies, Trusts, Companies or Associated Individuals when it is found that there’s fragrant violation of regulations. UGC can also order any enquiry on the irregularities of any institution and if found true, the permissions would be withdrawn.

In case of such a withdrawal, the operations of the said college, program or course shall not be started again before completion of two academic years from the date of such a withdrawal. Excess admissions over the sanctioned intake will not be allowed under any circumstances.

In case any excess admission is reported by the University, some action will be taken on the college. It depends on the intensity of offence and the likely actions are: Excess admission fee amounting five times the total fees collected per student levied against each excess admission; Suspension of approval for supernumerary seats for one academic year; No admission status in one / more courses for one academic year; Withdrawal of approval for Program or course and finally Withdrawal of approval of the College.

College not having qualified Principal or Director for a period of more than 18 months is also liable to be placed under “No admission” status for one academic year by the university. Similarly colleges not maintaining prescribed faculty: Student ratio, not adhering to pay scales, or qualifications prescribed for teaching staff for more than 18 months, will also invite action like suspension of approval for supernumerary seats for one academic year, No admission status in respective courses for one academic year, Withdrawal of approval in the respective course and withdrawal of approval of the College.

Action will be taken on colleges not maintaining prescribed computer, software, Internet, printers, laboratory equipments and books, journals, library facilities. Action would be taken on colleges not following guidelines issued by the affiliating university regarding refund of fees on cancellations of admissions or delaying refunds.