From Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi: After facing opposition from certain sections of the IIT, HRD minister Kapil Sibal on Tuesday got some much needed support from almost all the state governments, who reached a consensus on the common entrance test for engineering colleges.
“We have to compete internationally, all states have endorsed it. They have given full support,” Sibal said.
However, even as they backed the idea of a joint entrance examination, almost all the states opposed the Centre’s proposal to allow flexibility to prestigious IITs according to which they can adopt a methodology for selection and admission of students, in a manner different from that in NITs and IIITs.
Considering the opposition from the Education Ministers assembled in New Delhi to discuss the proposed Common Entrance Examination, Sibal agreed to incorporate in the minutes of the meeting that “the states were of the opinion that IITs should also adopt the same format” as that for for IIITs and NITs.
He, however, was non-committal on accepting the states’ demand as IITs are governed by a separate Act.
Meghalaya Education Minister Prof RC Laloo, while welcoming the common entrance examination for engineering institutions, expressed reservation over modification of the system pertaining to admission to the 100 engineering seats allocated by Human Resources Development Ministry as a special quota for the State.
Prof Laloo said the state had requested the Ministry to waive the AIEEE stipulation for the current academic year as intimation was received well beyond the last date which was January 31, 2012. Prof Laloo expressed happiness over the assurance that prevailing quota system of HRD for Meghalaya shall not be disturbed. The Meghalaya Education Minister sought fund from the Centre for setting up of one IIIT in the state. He also welcomed the proposal to introduce the “Community College Programme.” (With inputs from agencies)
