DU asks colleges to get AICTE approval for B.Tech courses

Facing flak for not seeking approval from AICTE for B.Tech courses being offered by its 24 colleges, Delhi University has directed the principals concerned to do the needful in this regard, with barely a few days remaining for the deadline.
B.Tech programmes in Computer Science, Electronics, Food Technology, Instrumentation Electronics and Polymer Science were launched as part of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP), scrapped last year following UGC intervention.
UGC had, however, directed DU to continue with the five B.Tech programmes but only for students admitted in academic year 2013-2014. The colleges were asked to seek approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) but DU was yet to take any action to meet the February 20 deadline.

In an official communication to principals, DU Pro-Vice Chancellor said, "The University is earnestly seized of the matter of seeking AICTE recognition for B.Tech programmes that are being offered in your college at present. The process to be followed for seeking this approval shall be initiated by your office..."
The colleges have been asked to apply for AICTE approval latest by February 19. DU teachers had last week demanded the VC's intervention in the issue even as scores of students held a protest in this regard outside the Arts Faculty.
A group of students had also approached HRD Minister Smriti Irani over the issue who had assured them that directions have been issued to the Vice-Chancellor to approach the statutory body at the earliest to get the nod. Irani said the ministry had been prodding DU over the matter since June last year to seek approval from AICTE.

The varsity's statutory bodies -- Academic Council (AC) and Executive Council (EC) -- had also written to the Vice Chancellor seeking "positive" intervention in the interest of students enrolled in these courses. Around 6000 students are enrolled in the five courses being offered by DU.

Asked about the delay in issuance of the directive, DU's Media Coordinator and Joint Dean of Student's Welfare Malay Neerav said, "The University is committed to taking every measure to ensure the interests of the students in the B.Tech programmes. Following the UGC orders DU had asked the colleges to apply in June. A communication was also sent in November and this is a reminder."

DUTA President Nandita Narain, however, said that no directives were issued earlier.
"We have got the guidelines now and we will proceed with the needful. No directives were received earlier," said one of the Principals, on the condition of anonymity.