A parliamentary standing committee on human resource development is understood to have suggested strengthening of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and bringing efficiency in its functioning.
While holding discussions on the Foreign Educational Institutions (Regulation of Entry and Operations) Bill and Prohibition of Unfair Practices in Technical Educational Institutions, Medical Educational Institutions and Universities Bill committee members pointed out several shortcomings of the AICTE. They also demanded that the AICTE undertake the task to improve technical education in the country.
Members also suggested that AICTE should be adequately strengthened instead of bringing new laws in reforming the higher education sector. The committee is expected to meet again on Tuesday.
The committee had on January 31 quizzed HRD ministry officials on measures to ensure that foreign varsities entering India do not dupe students.
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PM expresses regret to Kerala CM
New Delhi, Feb. 14: In the wake of Kerala government’s allegation that chief minister V.S. Achuthanandan was slighted during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s recent visit to the state, Dr Singh tonight spoke to him and expressed regrets.
The Prime Minister’s phone call to Mr Achuthanandan came after the Kerala Assembly passed an unusual resolution protesting the alleged slighting of the chief minister during Dr Singh’s three-day visit from February 10.
The matter raised by Anathalavattom Anandan (CPIM) through a submission virtually turned into a debate with Mr Achuthanandan and some of his Cabinet colleagues narrating their experiences during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Mr Achuthanandan said he was not provided a room at the Taj hotel at Kochi where Dr Singh stayed overnight on arrival on February 10.
The LDF members alleged that in an insult to the state as a whole the chief minister’s name was also not inscribed on the plaque. —PTI