Amid calls for norm dilution, varsity goes ahead with set plan

Thiruvananthapuram: Amid calls for dilution of norms for permanent affiliation to self-financing engineering colleges, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University has decided to go ahead with set plan. The varsity recently extended the last date for engineering colleges to apply for its affiliation for the ensuing academic year to March 15.
As per norms, institutions should obtain university’s affiliation on an annual basis. Sources said that not one new institution has so far approached the university for affiliation. However, a few engineering colleges have sought permission for closure. A final figure on the same will be available in a few weeks.

Also, a few engineering colleges, which had earlier sought the permission to down their shutters, have lined up this year requesting approval to revive the institutions, said sources close to the development.

Though several self-financing engineering colleges had sought permanent affiliation, none were granted the same. Reason: As per varsity rules, only those institutions which have been affiliated with Kerala Technological University (KTU) for over six years are eligible for permanent affiliation.

Though one self-financing engineering college, established well before the birth of KTU in 2014, challenged in high court the varsity’s insistence on conditions for permanent affiliation and even won the legal battle, the university is yet to take steps in that direction.

As per its norms, engineering colleges— except government and aided institutions—will have to shell out Rs 10 lakh for affiliation for undergraduate programmes and Rs 5 lakh for postgraduate programme. For colleges offering both UG and PG courses, the affiliation fee is Rs 12 lakh.

New colleges must pay an additional amount of Rs 1 lakh for application processing and inspection of the colleges. Permanent affiliation is a prerequisite for private engineering colleges to seek financial assistance from University Grants Commission.