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Formal nod for eight new IITs
By
IANS
New Delhi: India's cabinet Thursday formally approved eight new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to be set up across the country as world class engineering institutions at a total cost of Rs.60.80 billion ($1.5 billion).
A meeting of the cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, also approved the takeover of the Institute of Technology (IT)-Varanasi under the IIT system, which has won global praise for the quality of education it has been imparting for over four decades.
IT-Varanasi currently functions under the Benaras Hindu University.
"We will also consequently go ahead to get a formal approval for forming of societies and creating legal entities for the new IITs," Finance Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters here after the cabinet meeting.
He said the new IITs have been approved in Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Among them, six would start their academic sessions from July 23, while the other two - approved in Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh - were expected to start functioning from the 2009-10 academic year.
"The state governments have identified about 600 acres of land for the location of the new IITs. In case of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, the government has accepted the sites recommended by the state governments," the finance minister said.
"In the rest of the cases, the site selection committee will inspect the offered sites in due course and will give its recommendations to the ministry."
The finance minister also said that the new IITs would be mentored by the existing ones.
In fact, three of the new IITs - in Rajasthan, Punjab and Orissa - will also start their temporary classes in the campuses of their mentor-institutes at Kanpur, New Delhi and Kharagpur, respectively, till such time their own facilities are put in place.
"With the creation of new IITs, high quality technical education will become accessible to more bright students, as now hardly two percent of about 300,000 students who appear in the joint entrance exam can get admission in them," an official statement said.
A meeting of the cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, also approved the takeover of the Institute of Technology (IT)-Varanasi under the IIT system, which has won global praise for the quality of education it has been imparting for over four decades.
IT-Varanasi currently functions under the Benaras Hindu University.
"We will also consequently go ahead to get a formal approval for forming of societies and creating legal entities for the new IITs," Finance Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters here after the cabinet meeting.
He said the new IITs have been approved in Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Among them, six would start their academic sessions from July 23, while the other two - approved in Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh - were expected to start functioning from the 2009-10 academic year.
"The state governments have identified about 600 acres of land for the location of the new IITs. In case of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, the government has accepted the sites recommended by the state governments," the finance minister said.
"In the rest of the cases, the site selection committee will inspect the offered sites in due course and will give its recommendations to the ministry."
The finance minister also said that the new IITs would be mentored by the existing ones.
In fact, three of the new IITs - in Rajasthan, Punjab and Orissa - will also start their temporary classes in the campuses of their mentor-institutes at Kanpur, New Delhi and Kharagpur, respectively, till such time their own facilities are put in place.
"With the creation of new IITs, high quality technical education will become accessible to more bright students, as now hardly two percent of about 300,000 students who appear in the joint entrance exam can get admission in them," an official statement said.
Reader's comments(18)
1
The Government of India should look into sanctioning one IIT for Kerala. As far
as educational background is evaluated, Kerala needs more Institutions. Of
course, our politicians are incompetent always to ask for what they are being
given the chance to rule the state. Compared to politicians in other state these
people lack will power to get what their state and people wants. Most of our
students go to other states for higher education because of lack of such
facilities in own state. I feel Karnataka also needs one IIT. They have good
institutions from the time of Prime Minister Nehru because of his good thinking
as educational background is evaluated, Kerala needs more Institutions. Of
course, our politicians are incompetent always to ask for what they are being
given the chance to rule the state. Compared to politicians in other state these
people lack will power to get what their state and people wants. Most of our
students go to other states for higher education because of lack of such
facilities in own state. I feel Karnataka also needs one IIT. They have good
institutions from the time of Prime Minister Nehru because of his good thinking
Posted by:
Chandran Udumbasseri
2
Karnataka will get the IIT next time... not this time. The obvious reason is it
is not Congress Govt. in state.. dirty poli..
is not Congress Govt. in state.. dirty poli..
Posted by:
Sunsurya
3
It is not the IIT which is significant but it is committment of prof and
students those aspire and gives to the environment.IIT does not make a success
but diligency and hard work of the individual brings to the top.
So,politically they are comprising the need but dedication and efforts again
very important among all.
students those aspire and gives to the environment.IIT does not make a success
but diligency and hard work of the individual brings to the top.
So,politically they are comprising the need but dedication and efforts again
very important among all.
Posted by:
Ahimsa
4
why Kerala & Karnataka is not there in the list???
Posted by:
Gayatri
5
Its a very gr8 opportunity for those students who really work hard to get into
IIT but this dream of studying in IIT fades due some unexpected reasons.
It is very good step.
IIT but this dream of studying in IIT fades due some unexpected reasons.
It is very good step.
Posted by:
Stuti Gautam
6
It is good to learn that new IITs are coming up, which is a must to meet the
growing demands. However, Govt should ensure proper maintenance with full
facilities.
The demand for an IIT in Kerala is being over looked by HRD Minister, though the
Prime Minister is very considerative. This should be done on urgent basis, if
not this year at least from the next academic year.
Similar is the case with Karnataka. There was a proposal to upgrade NIT
Surathkal to be upgraded as IIT, if not a new one. Minister Oscar Fernades had
mentioned about this. However, HRD minister has over looked this also. This
should be expedited.
It is good to learn that new IITs are coming up, which is a must to meet the
growing demands. However, Govt should ensure proper maintenance with full
facilities.
The demand for an IIT in Kerala is being over looked by HRD Minister, though the
Prime Minister is very considerative. This should be done on urgent basis, if
not this year at least from the next academic year.
Similar is the case with Karnataka. There was a proposal to upgrade NIT
Surathkal to be upgraded as IIT, if not a new one. Minister Oscar Fernades had
mentioned about this. However, HRD minister has over looked this also. This
should be expedited.
Posted by:
NP Ramachandran
7
: its gud to see that the govt has atleast now opened its eyes....in other
states than Karnataka and Gods own country-Kerala.....It will be god if one
moree IIT in chennai and one in Bangalore Has been introduced.since Chennai
students are more,it will be convenient if they get adission in their own city.
Kerala also should be considered.
Hope you will consider this...
regards
Ambika Narayanan-monday 21st July.
states than Karnataka and Gods own country-Kerala.....It will be god if one
moree IIT in chennai and one in Bangalore Has been introduced.since Chennai
students are more,it will be convenient if they get adission in their own city.
Kerala also should be considered.
Hope you will consider this...
regards
Ambika Narayanan-monday 21st July.
Posted by:
AmbikaNarayanan
8
its gud to see that the govt has atleast now opened its eyes....IIT to Ap shud
hav come almost a decade ago....i wonder why Karnataka n Kerala not in the
list....care has to be taken that these new institutions has to keep up with the
present standards of its contemperories....
hav come almost a decade ago....i wonder why Karnataka n Kerala not in the
list....care has to be taken that these new institutions has to keep up with the
present standards of its contemperories....
Posted by:
praveen
9
hi,
We should welcome the new IITs.
Strange enough that new IITs are not planned for progressive states like
Karnataka and Kerala (they have been left out). Infact, IIT to AP is rather too
late (it should have started one at least a decade ago).
If the new IITs don't maintain the standards of the existing ones it will
de-value the old IITs which have such good reputation.
All the best
We should welcome the new IITs.
Strange enough that new IITs are not planned for progressive states like
Karnataka and Kerala (they have been left out). Infact, IIT to AP is rather too
late (it should have started one at least a decade ago).
If the new IITs don't maintain the standards of the existing ones it will
de-value the old IITs which have such good reputation.
All the best
Posted by:
IITianz
10
The GOI and the society spent a good amount of effort and the erstwhile bright
students of IIT did go forth and made a name for themselves and also for alma
matter. It would behoove if the IIT alumni pooled togther their a small
percentage of their combined net worth and took the burden of expansion. $1.5 is
really a drop in the bucket for the IITians at large.
Will it happen? No strings attached? As the community took care of the children
of sixties and seventies, would they in turn give back, no strings attached?
Will need to wait and see!
students of IIT did go forth and made a name for themselves and also for alma
matter. It would behoove if the IIT alumni pooled togther their a small
percentage of their combined net worth and took the burden of expansion. $1.5 is
really a drop in the bucket for the IITians at large.
Will it happen? No strings attached? As the community took care of the children
of sixties and seventies, would they in turn give back, no strings attached?
Will need to wait and see!
Posted by:
chandresh
11
Approving for IITs is just now enough, the system should make sure that quality
of Education should also be imparted through hiring highly skilled Professors,
world-class study environment, getting sponsorship through world-class
organizations. The government should make sure that the selection criteria n all
these categories should be strictly enforced to make sure that HARD EARNER
degree should NOT loose it's Value in a very competetive world.
of Education should also be imparted through hiring highly skilled Professors,
world-class study environment, getting sponsorship through world-class
organizations. The government should make sure that the selection criteria n all
these categories should be strictly enforced to make sure that HARD EARNER
degree should NOT loose it's Value in a very competetive world.
Posted by:
Aspirant
12
IIT is a brand and needs to improve its penetration further. However, just by
opening new institutes with no certainty in the quality of education will
severely tarnish the brand name. A two tier approach where; (1) the new
institure first proves their quality of education and the quality of student
being accepted, and subsequently (2) being awarded the IIT designation after
meeting the criteria is likely to give more meaning to the honorable intent of
opening 8 more IITs.
IT-BHU has gained this good reputation with its established, well spread out
alumni. Maybe they should re-consider whether they really want to convert to an
IIT!!!!!!
opening new institutes with no certainty in the quality of education will
severely tarnish the brand name. A two tier approach where; (1) the new
institure first proves their quality of education and the quality of student
being accepted, and subsequently (2) being awarded the IIT designation after
meeting the criteria is likely to give more meaning to the honorable intent of
opening 8 more IITs.
IT-BHU has gained this good reputation with its established, well spread out
alumni. Maybe they should re-consider whether they really want to convert to an
IIT!!!!!!
Posted by:
Vineet
13
its a shame, the government didnt allocate an IIT to Kerala. Here we dont have
any coaching centres(like in kota) nor the effective guidance to an IIT.
Definitely an IIT established in this state would have helped 100s of smart
brainies to graduate in a good school.i think not many from this state get an
admit for the bachelors 's course in this premier institutes. Offcourse many a
people join for masters.
Its a big time political move only to gather votes, and since kerala has a
waivering politics swinging from Communist to the congress, they dont want to
take a chance. Also they think investing in a small state is a total waste..WOe
to all of you.
As somebody rightly commented, dilution will affect the quality. And again
corruption will increase, many papers wud leak for the JEE now...
any coaching centres(like in kota) nor the effective guidance to an IIT.
Definitely an IIT established in this state would have helped 100s of smart
brainies to graduate in a good school.i think not many from this state get an
admit for the bachelors 's course in this premier institutes. Offcourse many a
people join for masters.
Its a big time political move only to gather votes, and since kerala has a
waivering politics swinging from Communist to the congress, they dont want to
take a chance. Also they think investing in a small state is a total waste..WOe
to all of you.
As somebody rightly commented, dilution will affect the quality. And again
corruption will increase, many papers wud leak for the JEE now...
Posted by:
hugeek
14
Before opening new IITs improve the system such that good scientists are
attracted to join as facutly. Currently the starting salary of an Assistant
Professor at IIT is Rs25,000 + a house on campus and some more facilities. So
including the value of all those things it is definitely not more than Rs35,000.
The rate at which this increases is very very slow. This is far far below what a
person with lesser educational qualification would earn in industry. And yes I
have heard that it is not just the money but respect in soceity etc
etc.............I know several IIT facutly and in day to day life a typical
indian like myself does not show any special respect to this
people......................................................Whether our people
understands this or not the govt. definitely understands this but the policies
that they make are NOT necessarily for the social good but gain more
Votes..............and unfortunately in my Motherland INDIA it is easier to get
more votes by opening several IITs but harderr to make people understand that by
increasing the salaries of the professors they are actually doing good for
them................................We have to be more far sighted I
guess...............................i am not finished yet but.............well I
have to stop
attracted to join as facutly. Currently the starting salary of an Assistant
Professor at IIT is Rs25,000 + a house on campus and some more facilities. So
including the value of all those things it is definitely not more than Rs35,000.
The rate at which this increases is very very slow. This is far far below what a
person with lesser educational qualification would earn in industry. And yes I
have heard that it is not just the money but respect in soceity etc
etc.............I know several IIT facutly and in day to day life a typical
indian like myself does not show any special respect to this
people......................................................Whether our people
understands this or not the govt. definitely understands this but the policies
that they make are NOT necessarily for the social good but gain more
Votes..............and unfortunately in my Motherland INDIA it is easier to get
more votes by opening several IITs but harderr to make people understand that by
increasing the salaries of the professors they are actually doing good for
them................................We have to be more far sighted I
guess...............................i am not finished yet but.............well I
have to stop
Posted by:
WhatsInTheName
15
Mixed feelings.. IIT brand did not develop in one day and it did not develop
because IIT's give great education or have great facilities or have world class
faculy. It has the same story as Harvard, MIT or other great universities around
the world. IIT's became great because of THE ENTERING CLASS, the cream of the
crop, the very best getting acceptance in these schools. These students over the
years achieved success in every field of life after graduation. That made IIT a
brand name. The ratings will certainly drop because of dilution but it will drop
phenomenally if they drop the admissions standards. Hopefully the size of indian
population and demand for these schools will prevent that. However I would have
preferred that they had created second tier of schools with similar concept and
create some competitive environment so everyone benefits. Also they must stop
all the schools , the private ones who give admissions after taking capitation
fee. Imagine an engineer from these schools designing a bridge or an aircraft or
some thing as simple as an apartment complex. It could be dangerous. We hope
there are some checks and balances in real life to protect everyone.
because IIT's give great education or have great facilities or have world class
faculy. It has the same story as Harvard, MIT or other great universities around
the world. IIT's became great because of THE ENTERING CLASS, the cream of the
crop, the very best getting acceptance in these schools. These students over the
years achieved success in every field of life after graduation. That made IIT a
brand name. The ratings will certainly drop because of dilution but it will drop
phenomenally if they drop the admissions standards. Hopefully the size of indian
population and demand for these schools will prevent that. However I would have
preferred that they had created second tier of schools with similar concept and
create some competitive environment so everyone benefits. Also they must stop
all the schools , the private ones who give admissions after taking capitation
fee. Imagine an engineer from these schools designing a bridge or an aircraft or
some thing as simple as an apartment complex. It could be dangerous. We hope
there are some checks and balances in real life to protect everyone.
Posted by:
Ken
16
Do not dilute my hard-earned degree! It is sick that HRD wants to take this
abominable step.
abominable step.
Posted by:
Abhishek
17
This will going to be disastrous for the IIT brand name. HRD ministry has not
given any thought to the faculty:student ratio, which was already very poor.
Even if they want to establish new IIT why they couldn't wait till the required
infrastructure is ready? Why they haven't given any thought to the satellite
based education in which lectures delivered in various IIT'S can have access to
newly formed institutes? In that case there will be no need to dilute the brand
name.
given any thought to the faculty:student ratio, which was already very poor.
Even if they want to establish new IIT why they couldn't wait till the required
infrastructure is ready? Why they haven't given any thought to the satellite
based education in which lectures delivered in various IIT'S can have access to
newly formed institutes? In that case there will be no need to dilute the brand
name.
Posted by:
Tarun Bansal
18
Giving nod to IITs is fine. But it should not be compromising on the quality of
the faculties made available to these institutions too. At this point of time
India is facing in terms of how to utilize good resources and good professors
to guide the smart kids in these schools.
the faculties made available to these institutions too. At this point of time
India is facing in terms of how to utilize good resources and good professors
to guide the smart kids in these schools.
Posted by:
Robert
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