20 engineering colleges seek nod to switch to arts & science stream

About 20 private engineering colleges from all over the country, most of them from Tamil Nadu, have approached the University Grants Commission (UGC) to convert their technical institution into arts and science colleges. 

While speaking to reporters on the sidelines of international educators meet at Anna University on Monday, UGC vice-chairman Prof. H Devaraj said that as several engineering graduates find it difficult to get a suitable job, engineering aspirants have started moving from engineering to basic sciences. 

“About 15 to 20 private engineering colleges from across India, majority from Tamil Nadu have approached us to convert their institutions into arts and science institutions. We have not taken any decision yet about converting them,” he said. 

Prof. Devaraj pointed out that for the past 60 years UGC had been funding universities and colleges and in the next 15 years it would accord importance to excellence in higher education. 

“Fifteen universities in the country, including University of Madras and Madurai Kamaraj University from Tamil Nadu already enjoy the ‘university with potential of excellence’ status, Anna University will join the list this week. We have plans to select the five best universities from this list next year and grant them Rs 150 crore funds, for them to come up with a society oriented product,” Prof. Devaraj added. 

The UGC also has plans to invite 1,000 faculty members from foreign countries to teach students in India for short duration as part of Prime Minister’s GIAN programme. Earlier in his inaugural address, he pointed out that the UGC introduced choice-based credit system (CBCS) to help students get more practical skills and added that degree without value would be of no use.