Cuttack: The Orissa High Court (HC) on Monday set aside the plea of Odisha Private Engineering Colleges Association (OPECA) challenging the State government’s decision to increase the number of seats in government-run engineering colleges.
In July the body had knocked HC doors questioning the increase in intake capacity of technical institutes for the 2016-2020 session. It alleged that the decision has been taken without approval of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the apex body for technical education.
The Odisha government had raised the number of seats by 1,550 in BTech and 779 in MTech streams.
OPECA secretary Binod Dash pointing to the CAG report on Employment, Technical Education and Training Department, had said Government engineering colleges in Odisha do not have required infrastructure like building, laboratory equipment, library and e-journals which is depriving students of practical knowledge. Many colleges have opened new branches without AICTE’s approval and knowledge of National Board of Accreditation, he added.
However refuting allegations, Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) authorities had said seats have been increased for the benefit of students without violating AICTE guidelines.