JNTU inspection reveals faults in engineering colleges

The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) which has completed inspection of 164 colleges following the Supreme Court directive said that all colleges failed to comply with the rules in spite of repeated warnings. About 10 colleges even prevented JNTU inspectors from entering their premises.

Several engineering colleges, which have failed to provide facilities as prescribed by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), may not be allowed to function this academic year.

JNTU authorities said that the colleges which failed to meet AICTE standards would have to face closure till they fulfill the norms. Authorities, however, did not reveal how many colleges would face the music. The inspections started on November 26 and JNTU is expected to submit its report by this month-end.

In case of cancellation of affiliation the colleges, which have admitted hundreds of students, would face doom. "There are several students studying in these colleges. They will have to shift students to other colleges," a JNTU source said.

During preliminary inspections conducted by the JNTU, most colleges were found to have less than half the required faculty strength. Some were found to have violated even building rules (As per AICTE rules, each class room should have a minimum of 66 sq metres), sources said.

As per JNTU sources, colleges which have shortcomings in five major areas - faculty, land, building, laboratory and library - will face closure. The colleges which lack minor facilities like computers and other equipment, would be given a conditional affiliation and would be allowed for another month during which they should rectify the shortcomings. "Some colleges even 'borrowed' faculty members from other institutions ahead of the inspections. If found guilty of this, colleges will be penalized," a JNTU top official said.

The officials said that a small percentage of colleges had flouted building norms despite several warnings. "Such shortcomings will not be taken lightly. The final report will show how many colleges will be allowed to function," said a JNTU official who was part of the inspection team.