AICTE Contemplating Mergers and Buyouts - Step to Revive Engineering Colleges?
- With AICTE's order to shut down 800 technical institutes across the country that have less than 30% enrollment, it is studying the pros and cons of mergers and buyouts of these colleges.
- Legal implications of the same are also being taken into consideration.
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) which is the highest engineering education regulator of the country, is planning on how to deal with the problem of a large number of vacant seats in engineering colleges across the country. In order to deal with it, it is contemplating on the pros and cons of merging two colleges, especially those which are in a near proximity of each other or even accepting proposals of buyouts.
As per the data released by AICTE, around 800 technical institutes across the country are on the verge of closure due to poor enrollment. As a remedial step, these colleges have requested AICTE to grant a notice period of at least two or allow scope for mergers. As per AICTE chairperson, the authority is currently in the process of assessing the legal implications of such buyouts and mergers to understand complications in sharing facilities, revenues and others.
Over the last five years, a total number of 4,633 courses and 527 technical colleges have shut down across the country. Maharashtra topped the list with 921 courses and 69 technical institutes shutting down in the last five years. They colleges offered courses in the fields of architecture, engineering, polytechnic, management and hotel management.
Also Read: - AICTE: Technical Institutes Must Admit Kashmiri Students under Modi's Scholarship Scheme
In a recent announcement made by the AICTE, it had decided to shut down 800 technical institutes across the country which have less than 30% enrollment. The affected colleges have suggested AICTE consider the enrollment data for the last three years and defer the decision basis its observation.
Also Read: - Three Private Universities in Punjab Shut Down Engineering and Management Colleges
Furthermore, AICTE is also planning to review the inspection reports of all the 800 colleges and provide them a chance for a hearing. The council will not shut down those colleges that have an additional source of revenue other than students’ fee. If the colleges are able to maintain a decent student-faculty ratio as per norms and cater to the payment norms and pay scales as prescribed, the colleges may not lose their license. The only objective of AICTE is to emphasise on quality education and employability of students.