Question : INTAKE OF STUDENTS IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS

(a) the details of the students admitted in AICTE recognised technical institutes during the last three years against the proposed admissions during the respective year;

(b) whether the Government is aware of the lack of quality education and reduced seats during the last few years;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether AICTE has curtailed the sanctioned strength in the technical institutes;

(e) the number of Technical Institute affected thereby; and

(f) the steps taken by the Government to provide good and quality education in all such institutes?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M.A.A. FATMI)

(a): The sanctioned intake in AICTE approved technical institutes during the years 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05 was 498560, 530850 and 623829 respectively. The data regarding students admitted in these institutes is not maintained centrally.

(b) & (c): The reduction of seats has been effected only for the academic year 2005-06. The seats were reduced keeping in view the most critical deficiency i.e. extent of shortage of faculty. The reduction was subject to restoration on recruitment of the requisite faculty. The seats of those institutes which have complied have since been restored.

(d) & (e): Seats have been reduced in a total of 742 technical institutes.

(f): Changes have been incorporated in the existing approval process with a view inter-alia to introduce parameters having a bearing on quality of technical education. AICTE is focusing on quality improvements in technical education to make engineering graduates globally competitive and acceptable. Some of the main initiatives include Modernization and Removal of Obsolescence, Research Promotion Scheme, National facilities in Engineering and Technology with Industrial Collaboration, Industry Institute Partnership, Entrepreneurship Development Programme, AICTE EDUSAT Scheme, Emeritus Fellowship, Visiting Professorship, Staff Development Programme, Quality Improvement Programme and facilities like Digital Library in Engineering Science & Technology, etc.