MPs for centrally run colleges in every district

Updated on: Monday, October 03, 2011

Several MPs have suggested that HRD Ministry set up 'centrally run colleges' in every district on the lines of Kendriya Vidyalaya or Navodaya Vidyalaya.

The suggestion came as the lawmakers attending a Consultative Committee of Parliament of the HRD Ministry voiced concern over the "declining standard of college education and poor teacher-student ratio", said Ministry officials.

The meeting, held yesterday, was attended by HRD Minister Kapil Sibal and senior officials of the HRD Ministry. "Concerns was also raised about a number of engineering seats being left vacant as it was felt that some states could have more engineering colleges than required," the officials said.

Sibal while addressing the issue said his Ministry has asked AICTE to elicit views of state governments where there is a surplus as to whether recognition should be given to more engineering colleges to these states, they said.

He felt this would help address the issue of excess capacity as observed in some regions. A few MPs also expressed unhappiness over Bangalore-based National Assessment and Accreditation Council having no branches, which they said was a cause of a inconvenience.

About the Bills on reforms in higher education, some members expressed "appreciation" for steps such as the Prohibition of Unfair Practices' Bill in particular. However, one of the MPs suggested that selection committees which are envisaged to be set up under the education tribunal bill must have at least one SC/ST/OBC member and also women as members.

"The members also felt that expansion of higher education sector does not increase the rural-urban and rich-poor pide and between those who can speak English and those who cannot," officials said.

MPs for centrally run colleges in every district

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