1,000 more polytechincs in India

Updated on: Monday, July 13, 2009

Sending a strong signal that it means business, the Central Government has proposed to develop the skills of young students by opening up 1000 Polytechnic institutions and 374 degree colleges in 210 backward districts across the country with one third of the capital cost of such institutions being borne by them. Said R. P. Agrawal, Secretary, Higher Education, Ministry of HRD at the inauguration of a two day education fair in Delhi organised by ASSOCHAM, “The institutions and colleges will commence from 2009-10 for which the focused approach would be to impart skills as per the modern requirements of governments and industries.” However, he was quick to add that the remaining capital costs for the proposed institutions would jointly come from concerned states and the industries selected by them.

Agrawal added that the centre was going to spend a good deal of money in training and refreshing 10,000 science faculties and as many teachers in the social sciences group to update their knowledge this summer.

“This is being done as most faculty has not been able to update their knowledge via their own means and are teaching students on prototype knowledge. So it is an initiative to upgrade teachers’ skills before they teach students,” said Agrawal.

Talking about the important issue of educational loans to students, the human resource department secretary said that nearly 16.5 lakh students have been extended education loans worth Rs. 27,500 crores for higher education through the Indian banking association.

These loans have been extended to students studying in authorised institutions. He also pointed out that now no collateral is required in obtaining an education loan (for higher studies) of Rs. 4 lakh and that the parents of students applying for loans need not to stand guarantee for them.

1,000 more polytechincs in India

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