(a) the number of IITs functioning in the country at present particularly in Kerala;
(b) whether it is a fact that one of the components of Prime Minister’s Kumarakan package of December, 2000 was Central Government support for the setting up of an institution of excellence in higher education sector;
(c) if so, whether any steps have been taken by the Government to set up an IIT in Kerala with reference to PM’s package;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria)
(a) to (e): Seven IITs are functioning in the country at
Delhi, Kanpur, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kharagpur, Chennai and
Roorkee. At present there is no IIT in Kerala. Government
of India’s endeavour has been to extend the benefit of
quality technical education as provided in the Indian
Institutes of Technology (IITs) to as many students in the
country as possible. Since opening of new IITs requires
huge investments, presently the Government of India is not
considering opening of any new IIT in the country.
Alternatively, cost-effective options such as increase in
intake in existing IITs and upgradation of Regional
Engineering Colleges (RECs) as National Institutes of
Technology have been facilitated.