Three technical education institutes in the city will now be their neighbours’ envy. The Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) and Sardar Patel Engineering College are among the 16 institutes from the state to have qualified for the implementation of phase two of the technical education quality improvement programme (TEQIP).
According to a government resolution (GR) issued on November 30 by the higher and technical education department of the state government, private institutes among the six newly identified ones will get a grant of Rs4 crore and the government-aided colleges will get Rs10 crore. Others who were roped in for the first phase as well will get Rs12.50 crore. The programme will be monitored by a state project facilitation unit (SPFU).
The TEQIP, envisaged in 2003 for transforming the technical education system, is to be implemented in three phases over 10-12 years. The first phase ended on March 31, 2009, covering 127 institutions in 13 states.
The cost of the Rs2,430-crore project is being borne by the World Bank (Rs1,395.50 crore), the Indian government (Rs500 crore), the state governments (Rs518.50 crore) and private unaided institutions (Rs16 crore). The Central government will meet 75% of fund requirements of government-aided institutes, while the state government will take care of the rest. Private institutes will receive 60% of the funds from the Centre and 20% from the state. The rest of it is to be provided by the institute management.
An official from the SPFU said the funds will be given in instalments. “Overlooking the allotment of funds and their expenditure will be the prime responsibilities of the SPFU.”
Dr MC Deo, director of VJTI that had participated in phase I, said, “We are glad to have been reselected for phase II. The funds, this time, will be used to on improving research facilities for the students and the faculty at the institute.”
Dr GD Yadav, director of ICT, said, “We are extremely delighted to have been chosen once again. Considering our strong research programmes, the funds will be used for developing research facilities and to provide student fellowships.”
