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In the realm of technical education, the issuance of Letters of Approval (LoA) and Extensions of Approval (EoA) by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has taken a troubling turn. With a shift towards a self-disclosure model, where applicants submit their own data via the AICTE Web Portal, the integrity of the approval process has been compromised.
This departure from traditional oversight mechanisms raises significant ethical concerns. By entrusting institutions with the responsibility of self-reporting, AICTE risks overlooking critical deficiencies and lapses in adherence to minimum norms and standards. Such laxity not only undermines the credibility of the approval process but also jeopardizes the quality of technical education imparted across the nation.
Furthermore, the dearth of accreditation by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) among technical institutions exacerbates the precarious situation. Accreditation by NBA serves as a hallmark of quality and excellence in technical education, yet only a fraction of institutions have attained this esteemed recognition. In the absence of stringent oversight and accountability measures, the proliferation of substandard institutions poses a grave threat to the integrity and reputation of the entire sector.
Amidst this backdrop, there is a growing recognition of the importance of accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). As institutions strive to enhance their credibility and demonstrate their commitment to quality assurance, the pursuit of NAAC accreditation has gained momentum. However, the discrepancy between the self-disclosure approach adopted by AICTE and the rigorous assessment standards upheld by NAAC underscores the inherent contradictions within the regulatory framework.
The ramifications of AICTE's approach extend far beyond administrative procedures; they strike at the heart of India's technical education landscape. Without robust safeguards and stringent oversight, the sector risks succumbing to a downward spiral of diminishing standards and eroding credibility.
In light of these pressing concerns, it is imperative for AICTE to reassess its approval processes and realign them with principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. Only through concerted efforts to uphold rigorous standards and prioritize quality assurance can India's technical education sector navigate the challenges ahead and emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity.
Vikram S Kaviya
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