Opesa seeks relaxation in new AICTE norms

The Orissa Private Engineering Schools Association (OPESA), an organization representing the interests of the diploma engineering institutes and polytechnics in the state, has sought relaxation in the recently revised norms of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

As per the revised AICTE norms, the eligibility criteria for admission under lateral entry scheme to the second year diploma courses, has been prescribed as 10+2 in science without any cut off mark.

However, as per the existing norms, NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) certificate holders of two years trade after passing matriculation and having a minimum of 60 per cent of marks, were eligible for lateral entry admission to second year of diploma engineering stream.

OPESA has pointed out that the revised norm may deprive NCVT certificate holders to pursue further higher technical courses.

Further, the eligibility for admission to diploma course has been fixed at 10+2 pass with 50 per cent marks in the aggregate.

"Since in our state, the minimum pass mark in 10+2 is 33 per cent, fixing the minimum percentage at 50 per cent for admission will deprive many students belonging to weaker sections of the society from taking admission in diploma engineering courses. Also, it will lead to further vacancy in the number of seats over and above the present vacancies due to which many institutions will be forced to close down due to financial stringency,” said Kanhu Soren, president of OPESA.

Saroj Sahoo, secretary, OPESA said, “We are going to face a severe crisis due to draconian norms of the AICTE. These norms need to be relaxed for the benefit of the diploma schools and the students.”

OPESA has demanded that AICTE should do away with the norm of fixing the percentage cut off mark for appearing in the Diploma Common entrance test conducted by the Orissa government.

Besides, the ITI pass out candidates with 60 per cent marks in aggregate may be allowed to appear this entrance test to take admission in the second year of diploma engineering course.