CM plea to Centre over AICTE issue

BHUBANESWAR:Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday sought the Centre’s intervention to restore AICTE’s approval for two polytechnics in the State to enable them to admit students for 2018-19 academic year.Raising the issue of placement of two Government polytechnics at Parlakhemundi and Berhampur under ‘No Admission’ category, the Chief Minister said in a letter to the Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar that AICTE approval for the two institutes should be restored keeping in view the larger interests and aspirations of the youths of the State to pursue diploma education.

The grounds for such a harsh decision as reflected in the order of the AICTE include shortage of regular faculty and non-availability of qualified principals, the Chief Minister said and added that the AICTE has already been apprised of the steps taken by the State Government for recruitment of lecturers.

The recruitment process has been completed and adequate number of guest faculties has been engaged in the institutes for smooth and sustained curricular activities, he said. The statutory procedure regarding appointment of principals in Government polytechnics is followed as per the Cadre Rules of polytechnic lecturers, framed under the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India. Many other states are also following the same procedure, keeping in view promotional interests and career progression of their polytechnic lecturers, he added.

The Chief Minister said given the huge investment made by the State in terms of land, building and other infrastructure, depriving the polytechnics of admission on such grounds would be highly detrimental to the interests of the youths. “I would request your personal intervention in the matter and restoration of extension of approval for full strength of both the institutes for 2018-19 academic year, keeping in view the larger interests and aspirations of the youths to pursue diploma education,” he added.