Switch to polytech, skill centres, says AICTE

Thiruvananthapuram: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has asked engineering colleges to consider options such as a switchover to polytechnics, skill development centres or vocational institutes. Commentator V.K. Adarsh says it's not easy for them to close down as such.  "Closure could also lead to many complications as they have invested money and taken bank loans," he told DC.

"That's why the AICTE itself had mooted the alternate options. Most of them have good labs and other infrastructure facilities for starting such courses.  "Hence, the transition to such institutions would not be difficult. Moreover, there is a shortage of qualified, skilled workforce and the state needs such centres." M. Abdul Rahman, the pro vice-chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, said other states have already allowed institutions to change into polytechnics. 

However, the state government has now formulated a formula for not allowing any more higher education institutions.  Hence, the applications submitted by some engineering colleges to change into polytechnics have not yet been taken up.  "More than four have applied for converting into polytechnics. However, in the present circumstances they would have to continue as engineering colleges," Mr Rahman said.

The AICTE was also planning to introduce six months training for professors to improve the quality of education in engineering as part of enhancing enrollment rates.  Moreover, industry internship has also been made mandatory for second and third-year students to improve skills. The number of credits required for the theory has been reduced to 160 from 220, and 14 out of 160 credits are mandatory for the summer internship.