Five govt engineering colleges in Kerala on brink of losing approval

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The delay in the appointment of principals threatens the recognition of five government engineering colleges. The crisis is ongoing in the engineering colleges of Barton Hill, Kannur, Idukki, Wayanad and Palakkad in Thiruvananthapuram. Except for Barton Hill, all four have not had a principal for two years. Barton Hill has been without one since April 30.

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has warned of strict action, including withdrawal of recognition, if the appointment continues to be delayed.

There are nine Govt. Engineering colleges in the state. Of these, only Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kottayam RIT and Thiruvananthapuram CET have principals.

The select list for the appointment of principal is prepared by inviting open applications and conducting interviews. They should be professors with 15 years of teaching experience, should have published at least 8 articles in UGC/AICTE/SCI approved journals and should have been the Ph D guide for at least two people to be considered for appointment.

Last October, a select list of seven people was prepared after interviewing 17 people. However, some approached the Administrative Tribunal against the appointment, and the court issued a stay over the appointment. After the stay was extended, some eligible teachers who were on the select list retired. In most places, junior teachers are given the responsibility of a principal. 18 principals without the required qualifications were demoted in 2021. In 2023, the AICTE made the appointment subject to compliance with the rules.

👉The absence of principals will affect the accreditation of colleges. If that happens, it will also negatively affect the placement of students

👉There are 8100 students in the five colleges. 1400 in Kannur, 2000 in Palakkad, 2000 in Barton Hill, 1500 in Idukki, and 1200 each in Wayanad

👉 These colleges also offer M.Tech, M.B.A., M.C.A., and Architecture courses. Students can study in government colleges for Rs. 8000 per semester