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7.10.3 During the year under report, emphasis was laid on expansion and diversification of academic programmes, modernisation of laboratories including replacement of obsolete equipment, construction of students' hostels and development of students' activity centres, expansion of research activities, institute-industry collaboration and instituting new activities like continuing education programme. These colleges made good progress in the implementation of their developmental plans. One hundred and seventy laboratories are being developed in these colleges under the scheme of institutional network with IITs. Four of these institutions have main-frame computers, while the others have procured micro systems and personal computers mainly to meet the requirements of training students.
7.10.4 In the context of the implementation of the NPE - 1986, Programme of Action (POA) documents were prepared by all the RECs re- defining their institutional goals and targets, and projecting perspective plans to cover the remaining period of the Seventh Plan and also Eighth Plan period. During the years 1988-89 'to 1990-91, only a beginning could be made to undertake the activities indicated in these documents because of the limited resources made available to the Regional Engineering College system.
Development of Post-Graduate Courses and Research Work 7.11.1 The Government of India is directly assisting fifteen State Government and twenty four non-Government post-graduate institutions under the scheme of development of post-graduate education and research in engineering and technology. The scheme has made considerable contribution in promoting development of technical education in general and Research and Development (R&D) in particular. During the year under report, introduction of ten new post-graduate courses in ten engineering institutions/colleges was approved.
7.11.2 The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) examination was held in February 1990 on the basis of which admissions were made to postgraduate courses in July 1990.
Quality Improvement Programme 7.12.1 The Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) was initiated in the year 1970-71 with a view to improving the quality and standards of technical education. The following programmes are conducted under the schemes :-
(i) Faculty development, which includes
- M.Tech. and Doctoral programmes - Short-term courses at QIP Centres - Summer and winter school programmes through the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE).
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(ii) Curriculum development which includes laboratory development, preparation of instructional materials and text books.
(iii) Practical training in industry for teachers of engineering colleges and polytechnic.
7.12.2 The M. Tech. and Doctoral programmes are implemented at the five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), University of Roorkee, Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), Banaras Hindu University, a few Regional Engineering Colleges, Anna University (Madras), and Jadavpur University (Calcutta). The programme relating to short-term courses is implemented through the above centres for engineering college teachers, and through the four Technical Teachers' Training Institutes (TTTIs) and the Institute of Engineering and Rural Technology, Allahabad for teachers of diploma level institutions. While the programme of short-term training in industry is organised by the regional offices of the Ministry, the summer/winter school programme is organised through the ISTE.
7.12.3 The table below presents the achivements of Faculty Development Programme under QIP in terms of number of teachers trained so far.
Table 7.2
Achievements of Faculty Development Programme under QIP
Number of Number of
courses teachers
trained
(approx.)
Teachers trained for Ph.D 1,245
Teachers trained for M.Tech. 1,220
Teachers trained at degree-level in 855 15,000
short-term courses
Teachers of Engineering Colleges and 1644 36,294
Polytechnics trained through summer
and winter school programmes of ISTE
Short-term programmes for Polytechnic 2040 41,500
teachers conducted by TTTIs
Short-term training in industry for 6,500
teachers at the degree and diploma
levels
TOTAL 4539 1,01,759
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7. 12.4 Till 1990-91, about 1345 teachers were trained for M.Tech. and 1325 teachers for Ph.D. The QIP Centres organised about 855 short- term courses for degree level teachers, wherein about 15000 teachers were trained. The ISTE organised 1644 short-term summer/winter school programmes for teachers of engineering colleges and polytechnics together, wherein about 36294 teachers were trained. The TTTIs have conducted about 2040 short term programmes for polytechnic teachers thereby training 41,500 teachers. Under the short term programme in industry 6500 teachers at the degree and diploma levels were trained.
7.12.5 The Curriculum Development Cells at degree level have till now produced about 290 text books, 210 monographs, 70 manuals, 137 other publications and conducted about 220 workshops and seminars. The ISTE has also produced about 152 teachers' manuals.
World Bank assisted Project to support Technician Education 7.13.1 Recognising the need for revamping technician education system, the Government have launched a major project to be implemented in two phases with the assistance of the World Bank Group to enable the State Governments to upgrade their polytechnics in capacity, quality and efficiency. The project estimated to cost over Rs.1650 crores including World Bank Credit/ Loan assistance of about US$ 550 million over this period, 1990-1998 will cover polytechnics approved/recognised by the All India Council for Technical Education in sixteen States and one Union Territory. The project covers nearly 80% of the approved polytechnics in the country. It is primarily a State-sector project and the entire cost is to be provided by the participating State Governments from their respective State Plan allocations during the VIII/IX Plan periods. The project will be implemented by the State Governments under the overall guidance, support and monitoring by the Department of Education for which a small central component covering strengthening of the four Technical Teachers' Training Institutes in the country and establishment of a National Project Implementation Unit (NPIU) in the Educational Consultants India Limted (EdCIL) has been provided in the project.
7.13.2 The first phase of the project estimated to cost about Rs.832 crores and covering polytechnics in the States of Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh has already, been approved and is under implementation. The first phase became technically effective, after the signing of the formal agreements, in December, 1990.
7.13.3 The second phase with similar objectives and costing approxmately Rs.825 crores covers polytechnics in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and the Union Territory of Delhi. The second phase is being finalised to commence from 1991-92.
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Institutional Network Scheme 7.14.1 The scheme was initiated during 1981-82 to develop an internal assistance programme of networking between well developed technological institutions such as IITs and comparatively less developed institutions such as the RECs and State engineering colleges for development of laboratories, exchange of faculty, training of faculty members and collaborating in research programmes.
7.14.2 During the Seventh Plan period, 199 laboratories have been supported through the networking scheme and an amount of Rs. 4.95 crores has been released for the purpose. Another forty laboratories were supported during 1990-91 at a cost of Rs. 1 crore.
7.14.3 According to the provisions of the scheme, an approved project of networking is supported by the grant of an amount of Rs. 5 lakhs out of which 50% is borne by the Department and the remaining 50% by the institution concerned.
Thrust Areas of Technical Education
(a) Strengthening of facilities in crucial areas of technology
where weakness exists. 7.15.1 The Scheme was instituted during the Sixth Plan and modified in scope and dimensions during the Seventh Plan with the objective of strengthening facilities in technological institutions offering courses at under-graduate level in certain identified areas of technology where critical gaps exist, through (i) augmentation of physical facilities such as laboratory equipment, space, faculty and supporting staff, (ii) diversification of courses, and (iii) preparation of base for post-graduate programmes. The identified areas of technology where weakness exists are: computer science/ technology, electronics, instrumentation, material science/ technology, maintenance engineering, product development/design, bio- conversion, ergonomics, printing technology, management science and entrepreneurship.
7.15.2 An amount of Rs.39.30 crores was released during the Seventh Plan period supporting 347 projects. During 1990-91 81 projects were supported involving a grant of Rs.681.60 lakhs.
(b) Creation of infrastructure in areas of emerging technologies
7.15.3 The scheme was instituted on an experimental basis during the Sixth Plan period with the objective of creating infrastructural facilities for education, research and training in 14 identified areas of emerging' technology in selected engineering/technological institutions. During the Seventh Plan period, the scope and dimensions of the scheme were enlarged sustantially.
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The objectives of the scheme are :-
- To develop infrastructure in terms of modern laboratories in identified areas of emerging technologies.
- To develop a strong base for advanced level work by identifying programmes and courses.
- To provide facilities and support for R&D activities in frontier areas of technology on a national basis so that technology gaps with reference to advanced countries are eventually bridged.
- Development of manpower.
- Facilities for training the faculty.
- Development of linkages with other institutions including R&D establishments and user agencies.
- Dissemination of information in the areas of expertise developed by the supported insitutions.
7.15.4 The seventeen areas identified for support under this scheme are: energy science, transportation engineering, micro- electronics, remote sensing, atmospheric science, reliability engineering, environmental engineering, water resource management, optical communication and fibre-optics, laser technology, informatics, telematics, education technology, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture, micro-processors, robotics and artificial intelligence. During the Seventh Plan, an amount of Rs. 57.33 crores was released to support 458 projects. During 1990-91, 128 projects were supported involving a grant of Rs. 10.59 crores.
(c) Programmes of new and/or improved technologies and offering
new courses in specialised fields 7.15.5 This is a new scheme instituted during 1987-88 as part of the implementation of NPE. The scheme has been formulated keeping in view the changing industrial scene and the pace of technology development the world over. Many new areas of technology have evolved in recent years in the conventional as well as emerging fields of technology which have relevance to the national needs, where manpower with appropriate expertise has to be developed. Forty-six new/improved ares of technology have been identified where programmes/courses are supported under the scheme.
7.15.6 During 1987-90, an amount of Rs. 11.22 crores was released to support 67 projects. During 1990-91, 65 projects have been supported involving an amount of Rs.7.90 crores.
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Modernisation and Removal of Obsolescence 7.16.1 The Scheme was initiated during the Sixth Plan period with the objective of providing modern instruments and machinery in selected engineering colleges to meet the requirements of technological advances and curricular changes on the basis of 100% direct central assistance.
7.16.2 During the Seventh Plan and more particularly after NPE - 86 was adopted, the scope and dimensions of the scheme were expanded to cover IITs, RECs and other engineering colleges including technical universities and technological faculties of universities, polytechnics and removal of obsolescence of human resource. The objectives of the scheme were re-defined as follows:-
- Removal of obsolescence in machinery and equipment of laboratories and workshops in engineering and technological institutions.
- Modernisation by addition of new equipment relevant to the curricular needs as a sequel to the fast development in technologies.
- To provide students with hand-on experience in laboratory practice in modern technologies.
- Creation of new laboratories.
- Provision of computers.
- Training and re-training of faculty and supporting staff.
7.16.3 Data on the number of projects supported during the Seventh Plan and during 1990-91 and the amounts of grant released each year are given below :-
Table 7.3
Support for Modernisation and Removal of Obsolescence
in Technical Education
Year Number of Amount of
projects grant released
supported (Rs.in crores)
1985-86 131 15.00
1986-87 151 18.00
1987-88 529 60.00
1988-89 603 52.70
1989-90 400 37.00
1990-91 328 30.60
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National Technical Manpower Information System 7.17.1 The National Technical Manpower Information System (NTMIS) has been set up by the Government of India with a view to monitor the supply and utilization of engineering and technical manpower at the national and the individual state levels so that the planning and development of technical education is done on proper lines. The system comprises of a Lead Centre at the Institute of Applied Manpower Research, New Delhi and twenty-one nodal Centres, including the four Boards of Apprenticeship/Practical Training, which are located in different States.
7.17.2 Under the NTMIS programme of work, primary data are being gathered regularly, and on an annual basis, from graduates of different academic programmes, academic institutions and the organisations in the socioeconomic sectors which employ engineering and technical manpower. Of the twenty-one Nodal Centres, seventeen Centres located mostly at selected engineering and technological institutions in the country, are responsible for conducting the follow-up study of the graduates of different academic programmes and surveying academic institutions while the centres located at the Boards of Apprenticeship/Practical Training have the responsibility of gathering data from the employing organisations.
7.17.3 Most of the Nodal Centres completed the second round of the Graduate Follow-up Survey covering the students who passed out in the year 1983 while some Nodal Centres also completed the work pertaining to third round of the survey covering the students who passed in the year 1984. The follow-up survey pertaining to the year 1984 was in progress in other Nodal Centres. The work relating to the second round of the survey of academic institutions, with the reference year of 1984-85 was completed by most of the Nodal Centres and the work relating to the year 1985-86 was in progress. The second round of establishment survey with the reference year of 1984-85 was completed by the Boards and the work relating to the reference year 1985-86 was in progress.
7.17.4 Using the data collected, the NTMIS has been producing Annual Technical Manpower Reviews for the States. By the end of 1989- 90 such reviews were prepared for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Delhi. The reports provide information on the type of employment available to the graduates of different courses, the pattern of absorption of graduates in different forms of activities, the extent of unemployment among diferent types of graduates etc.
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7.17.5 The NTMIS also undertakes exercises bringing out the future requirements of engineers of different types at the national level. One such exercise covering the Instrumentation Engineers has been completed. The study provided estimates of requirements of Instrumentation Engineers at the national level for the period, 1990- 2000 A.D. The report also provides estimates of additional engineers that would be required for meeting demands in different years.
7.17.6 The National Expert Committee set up by the Government of India for evaluating the National Technical Manpower Information System (NTMIS) subitted it report to the Government in November, 1989. The Committee recommended that the Scheme should be continued and suitably strengthened. The Government has accepted the report of the National Expert Committee.
Development of Management Education at Non-University Centres 7.18.0 In order to meet the need for trained managerial manpower at different levels, the Government of India initiated a programme to provide assistance to certain non-university centres which are functioning at All-India level and are offering two year full-time and three year part-time post-graduate diploma course in Management Studies. The assistance is given to the institutions on the recommendations of the All India Board of Management Studies/AICTE. Under the programme, the Government of India has been giving assistance to a few institutions for consolidation and development of the management programmes.
All India Council for Technical Education 7.19.1 To ensure the coordinated development of technical education in accordance with the approved standards the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) was set up in 1945 as a national expert body to advise the Central Government and the State Governments on the development of technical education. Even before the inclusion of education in Concurrent List, the coordination and determination of standards in technical institutions has been the constitutional responsibility of the Central Government.
7.19.2 In order to deal with the situation which arose by the mushroom growth of large number of private engineering colleges and polytechnics, the AICTE was given the status of a statutory body by an Act of Parliament. The AICTE covers all technical institutions and University Technical Departments conducting diploma, degree and P.G. courses in the fields of studies like engineering and technology, management, town planning, architecture, applied art and pharmacy, throughout the country.
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7.19.3 The Council became operational through its Executive Committee and four Regional Committees at Kanpur, Madras, Bombay and Calcutta. During the year under report the Council established All India Boards of Studies at technician, undergraduate and post-graduate levels in engineering and technology and one in the field of management education. The Council also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Council of Architecture to deal with the development of education in the field of architecture. It also approved the establishment of the National Board of Accreditation. The Council approved norms and standards for various courses and guidelines for admission to technical institutions.
7.19.4 During the year under report the Council approved 136 new institutions and 171 programmes to be introduced in the existing technical institutions.
Community Polytechnic Scheme 7.20.1 The scheme of Community Polytechnics was instituted under the Direct Central Assistance Scheme in 1978-79 in 36 polytechnics, on an experimental basis, with a view to ensuring the rural society a fair share of benefits from the investments in technical education system. The scheme envisaged that the Community Polytechnics would act as focal points for science and technology applications in rural areas for socioeconomic development of the rural set-up and generate self and wage employment opportunities through non-formal training. At present, 159 institutions are covered under the scheme. The Community Polytechnics carry out the following activities :
- Socio-economic survey;
- Manpower Development and Training;
- Technology Transfer;
- Technical Services;
- Support Services;
7.20.2 The scheme, over the years worked well and has contributed to rural development in the following manner :
- Trained large number of rural youth for gainful employment.
- Promoted entrepreneurship amongst trained artisans.
- Forged informal links between technical institution and rural community.
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- Helped technology transfer in villages, specially in the non-farm section.
- Organised technical support services for sustenance of transferred technologies.
7.20.3 The approved financial norms are (i) Non-recurring grants of Rs. 5.00 lakhs; (ii) Seed Money (Non-recurring) of Rs. 5.00 lakhs; and (iii) Recurring grant of Rs. 1.25 lakhs.
7.20.4 For effective implementation of the scheme, the Community Polytechnics set up extension centres in the far-flung rural areas so that the services and facilities that could be made available through the system are provided right at the doorstep of the villages. The Community Polytechnics undertake socioeconomic surveys to ascertain the developmental needs of the region and prepare time-bound programmes indicating therein activities, objectives and targets to be achieved in consultation with Technical Teachers' Training Institutes, Ministry's Regional offices, etc. About 100 technical and non- technical items of trades/skills relevant to local socioeconomic conditions have been identified for imparting training. No specific academic qualifications are prescribed for admission to those training programmes. A number of polytechnics have made good impact in promoting transfer of a number of tested and approved items of technology to the rural areas including bio-gas plants, windmills, smokeless choolahs, rural latrines, solar appliances, agricultural implements, etc. These institutions have established intimate collaboration and coordinated action with a number of government and non-government agencies.
Employment Genernation in Rural Areas 7.20.5 The employment generation through the scheme is mainly from non-formal short-term training, through competency and need-based courses in various trades, or in multi-skills depending upon the requirement. These institutions on an average train about 25,000 rural youth every year. Of those, about 35-40% are absorbed in self- employment. The employment generated through the scheme can be broadly categorised in three categories:
i) Direct wage employment in the scheme;
ii) Self employment of trained youth;
iii) Wage employment in rural projects/industries and services.
Programmes for Minorities 7.20.6 Considering the need for promotion of facilities for technical education and training in the minority concentration areas, ten polytechnics in such areas were selected during 1984-85 further expanded to two more institutions in the areas. On the
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basis of a decision taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on 15-Point Programme for the Minority Welfare, it was decided that the identified forty-one minority concentration districts are to be covered under the scheme. Accordingly, in March 1990, eight polytechnics in the such districts were brought under the scheme raising the total number of community polytechnics in the minority concentration districts to twenty. During 1990-91, 41 new polytechnics were brought under the scheme including 16 institutions selected in the minority concentration districts. Out of the 41 minority concentration districts there are no approved polytechnics in the four districts. These districts have been covered by establishing extension centres of Community Polytechnics in neighbouring districts. The scheme is being implemented in two districts under World Bank Programme.
Programme of Apprenticeship Training 7.21.1 The Programme of Apprenticeship Training for Engineering graduates and diploma holders under the Apprentices Act, 1961 continued to be implemented through the four Boards of Apprenticeship Training located at Kanpur, Calcutta, Bombay and Madras. The Boards have State-level Committees for better liaison with industry. The cost of stipend being paid to apprentices is shared by the training establishments and the Government of India.
7.21.2 The number of apprentices engaged as on 31st October for the last three years is shown in the table below :
Table 7.4
Number of Apprentices
31.10.88 31.10.89 31.10.90
Total Trainees 21221 21736 21053
Graduate trainees 6021 6102 6042
Diploma holders 15200 15634 15011
Scheduled Castes 547 838 714
Schedules Tribes 104 171 148
Minorities 1082 1456 1057
Handicapped 12 11 10
Women 1273 1345 1836
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7.21.3 A number of supervisory development programmes for improving quality of apprenticeship training and career guidance programmes for the final year students of a few engineering collegs and polytechnics were organised by the Boards. The Boards are publishing journals containing informative articles. Some of them have prepared training manuals also.
7.21.4 A new scheme of apprenticeship training for 10+2 Vocational students was also introduced from the year 1988-89.
Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok 7.22.1 The Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok is an autonomous international graduate institute providing advanced education in engineering science and allied fields. It enrolls about six hundred students from more than twenty countries and has international faculty members. The institute is governed by an International Board of Trustees, whose members come from different countries including India.
7.22.2 The Government of India has agreed to provide the following assistance to the AIT :-
- Deputation of Indian teachers/experts in specialised areas of engineering and technology meeting the entire cost of their deputation.
- An annual grant upto Rs. 3.00 lakhs for utilisation for one or more of the following purposes
a) Purchase of equipment from India,
b) Purchase of books and payments for subscription of academic and technical journals published in India, and
c) Expenditure on academic related activities in India. 7.22.3 During the period 1990-91, six Indian experts have been deputed to AIT, Bangkok.
Board of Assessment for Educational Qualifications 7.23.1 The Board of Assessment for Educational Qualifications was set up by the Government of India for the purpose of recognition of academic and professional qualifications for employment to posts and services under the Central Government. The Technical Education Bureau is the Secretariat of the Board and Chairman, UPSC is the Chairman of the Board.
7.23.2 Ten new qualifications were accorded for recognition during 1990-91.
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Partial Financial Assistance for Attending International
Conferences 7.24.1 The Bureau of Technical Education administers a scheme to provide partial financial assistance to teachers in the fields of Science, Technology and Medicine to defray the cost of travel for attending prestigious international conferences. Outstanding young teachers are given special consideration.
7.24.2 During 1990-91, financial assistance was provided to twenty teachers.
Strengthening of Institutions in Non-Corporate and
Un-Organised Sectors 7.25.1 The orientation of our technical and management education system has so far been predominantly towards the organised corporate sector. However, a major impact of our development efforts will be possible only if we improve the performance in the non-corporate and non-organised sectors which are employing about 90% of the work force. While formulating the NPE - 86 due consideration has been given to this aspect and a scheme was drawn up to strengthen the existing institutions for the purpose.
7.25.2 The scheme is being implemented as a pilot project by developing about four polytechnics. The experience gained will be reviewed before further expanding the scheme.
Industry Institute Interaction 7.26.1 The Scheme of Industry-Institute Interaction was implemented in the middle of 1988-89. The Scheme envisages :-
(a) Interaction between engineering colleges and industry,
(b) Interaction between Polytechnics and industry, and
(c) Setting up of an 'Industrial Foundation' at IIT Delhi.
7.26.2 In the case of selected engineering colleges, the programme includes undertaking a joint project between the industry and the institution. It also envisages exchange of faculty with industry at the rate of two faculties per institution. At the polytechnic level, the faculty exchange is at the rate of two faculties per polytechnic.
7.26.3 So far, the proposals of twenty-one engineering colleges and eleven polytechnics have been approved for implementation under the scheme. Four joint project proposals have also been approved and necessary funds have been released.
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7.26.4 It is also proposed to start an Industrial Foundation at IIT Delhi on an experimental basis. This Foundation will be responsible for marketing the research and consultancy capabilities of the Institute in tackling scientific and technological problems sponsored by industry and other organisations, commercialisation of research results through the stages of prototype development and industrial pilot plants etc.
Continuing Education 7.27.1 The programme of Continuing Education for working professionals in the field of engineering and technology is aimed at enhancing the competence of these professionals, thereby contributing to upgrading engineering manpower capability in industries. The first aspect of the programme is to survey the needs of the areas in which the Continuing Education modules need to be prepared and the second is to prepare such modules through the experts in the IITs and the TTTIs. The ISTE is also associated with the programme of preparation of modules, testing the same etc. and the task of academic coordination and monitoring of the programme.
7.27.2 The progress of the programme has been very encouraging. As of 31st August, 1990, one hundred and two course materials have been produced and another two hundred and fourteen course materials are under preparation. Ten thousand working professionals have gone through the training programme so far based on the prepared course materials.
7.27.3 Based on the recommendations of the programme specialists, eight additional centres for preparation of course materials have been identified and have been added during 1990-91 for the implementation of this programme. Out of these eight centres, four are engineering colleges/universities and four are polytechnics.
Research and Development in Technical Education Institutions 7.28.1 The scheme was initiated during 1987-88 with the objectives of :
- Strengthening and re-structuring the existing centres of advanced study/research.
- Creating and updating infrastructure.
- Supporting and sponsoring research projects in engineering, technology and management.
7.28.2 During 1990-91, twenty-seven projects were funded under the scheme. The scheme has helped in encouraging research in a large number of engineering colleges. The important areas covered include :
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Material Science & Technology, Enzyme Technology, Energy Management, High Voltage Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Composite Materials, Fibre Science, Structural Engineering and Transportion Engineering. Special attention is paid to proposals from younger faculty members.
Educational Consultants India Limited, New Delhi 7.29.1 The only public sector undertaking under this Ministry, Educational Consultants India Limited, New Delhi was incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 on June 17, 1981. It functions under the guidance of a Board of Directors representing various ministries and organisations of the Central Government. It has a part-time non- official Chairman and a full-time Managing Director.
7.29.2 The Company has been awarded first ever turn-key job abroad to implement the Master Plan of the University of Mauritius. The company also completed four projects in India and three projects abroad. The number of on-going projects is eight in India and three abroad.
7.29.3 During the year 1989-90, the company earned a record profit of Rs. 60.22 lakhs which represents an increase of about 53% over the profit in the previous year. The turn-over has also jumped from Rs. 2.54 crores to Rs. 3.83 crores which represents an increase of about 50.8%. Accounts for 1990-91 are being finalised.
7.29.4 The Company declared payment of a dividend of Rs. 7.50 lakhs on the equity capital of Rs. 75 lakhs at 10% i.e. Rs. 10.00 per share. This has been paid by the Company to the Government of India.
Pass Book Scheme for import of Equipment 7.30.0 To facilitate expeditious import and clearance of scientific equipment for research purposes, a Pass Book Scheme has been introduced from 1988. It authorises import of scientific and technical equipment, accessories and consumable goods free of import duty. For import under this scheme, the Head of the Institution is authorised to certify the essetiality and "not manufactured in India" conditions. The maximum upper limits of aggregate c.i.f. value allowed annually are for equipment Rs. 3 crores and for consumables Rs. 1.5 crores. It excludes any single consumables item whose aggregate c.i.f. value exceeds Rs. 5 lakhs in a year and any single equipment or accessory whose c.i.f. value exceeds Rs. 5 lakhs. The scheme covers public funded research institutions of national importance, and colleges. The Bureau of Technical Eucation in the Department of Education is responsible for issuing pass books to universities, colleges and institutions. During the year under report, about 350 pass books have been issued.
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Longowal Institute-of Engineering and Technology 7.31.0 The Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (LIET) is being set up to offer a variety of courses at Certificate, Diploma and Degree levels in the field of Engineering and Technology so that the specific needs of the State of Punjab at various levels are met in an integrated manner and at the same time the scarce resources of the State are optimally utilised. It will develop education, training, research and community service under one roof. The Institute will make a start with the Certificate and Diploma courses and in course of time will introduce, according to needs, the Degree course in Engineering and Technology. It is expected that Certificate and Diploma courses will be started from the next academic year.
Assistance to Technical Institutions through the University Grants
Commission 7.32.1 The University Grants Commission ( UGC ) provides financial assistance to University-maintained institutions in engineering and technology for the development of higher education and research. At present thirty-two such University-maintained institutions are covered under the scheme. Besides offering facilities for undergraduate education, these institutes conduct a large number of post-graduate courses in various branches of Engineering and Technology. Some of the institutions are also involved in fundamental and applied research at higher level for the advancement of technology and have earned national and international status for their attainment. For the continuation of various R & D programmes and consolidation of the existing facilities such as teaching, building, laboratories, hostels and staff quarters, adequate provision is made for these University- maintained institutions.
7.32.2 There are about 1000 M.E./M.Tech. students at present in the different post-graduate courses in the University-maintained institutions.
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