An expert committee had in 2019 advised AICTE to stop approving new engineering colleges and adding more seats, except in emerging areas like AI, machine learning and robotics.
23.6 lakh engineering seats were available across India in 2021-22, the lowest since 2012-13, while number of management seats was 4.04 lakh — the highest in 5 years.
Awardees from J&K and Northeast were much higher in 2020-21 compared to 2019-18 after AICTE decided to give scholarship to all poor female students from these regions irrespective of merit.
In interview to ThePrint, AICTE chairman Anil Sahasrabudhe says though engineering courses will begin in 5 regional languages from 2021-22 session in 13 colleges, scientific words won't be translated.
To begin with, AICTE allows 5 engineering disciplines such as mechanical, civil, electrical to be taught in regional languages. Study material for these disciplines being translated.
AICTE has given list of 14 subjects, apart from Physics, Chemistry & Maths, which students can opt for. These include computer science, electronics, IT, biology, entrepreneurship.
The clarification followed news reports about Physics and Mathematics no longer being compulsory for engineering as per the approval handbook for 2021-22 issued by the AICTE.
Finance ministry says the proposed revamp will focus on structural reforms, rate rationalisation & ease of living, & will be deliberated upon in the coming weeks.
The project is meant to be a ‘protective shield that will keep expanding’, the PM said. It is on the lines of the ‘Golden Dome’ announced by Trump, it is learnt.
Now that both IAF and PAF have made formal claims of having shot down the other’s aircraft in the 87-hour war in May, we can ask a larger question: do such numbers really matter?
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