Odisha seeks Centre’s intervention in AICTE move against two diploma institutes

Bhubaneswar: In view of larger interests of Odisha and youths’ aspiration to pursue diploma education, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged the Centre seeking its intervention into the decision of AICTE that placed two state-run diploma institutes under ‘No Admission’ category for the academic year 2018-19.

In a letter to Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, CM Patnaik sought his personal intervention in the matter for reconsideration of the decision of AICTE and restoration of extension of approval for full strength of both the institutes for the academic year 2018-19.

Recently, the AICTE placed two government polytechnic institutes at Paralakhemundi and Berhampur under ‘No Admission’ category for the upcoming academic session citing ‘shortage of regular faculty’ and ‘non-availability of qualified Principals’.

“In this regard, it is stated that AICTE has already been apprised of the steps taken by the state government for recruitment of lecturers. Pending completion of the recruitment process, adequate number of guest faculty have been engaged in the above institutes for smooth and sustained curricular activities. That apart, the statutory procedure with regard to the appointment of Principals in Government Polytechnics is followed as per the Cadre rules of Polytechnic Lecturers framed under the provision to Article 309 of the Constitution of India,” Patnaik wrote.

In the letter, the CM said that the decision of AICTE will be harmful to the interests of students aspiring to pursue diploma education in Odisha.

“I understand many other states are also following the same procedure keeping in view the promotional interests and career progression of their Polytechnic Lecturers. 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 of the State,” he wrote to the HRD.