THRUST AREAS IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION
22.1 This scheme has 3 distinct components, namely;
(a) Creation of infrastructure in areas of emerging technologies The scheme aims at creation of necessary infrastructure for education, research and training in selected technological institutions in 17 identified areas of emerging technology with a view to:
- develop modern laboratories in the areas supported,
- develop a strong base for advanced level work,
- provide facilities and support for R&D activities in the frontier areas on a national basis so that technology gap with respect to advanced countries is eventually bridged,
- train faculty,
- promote linkages with user agencies, industry and R&D Organisations,
- disseminate information in the area of expertise developed, and
- train manpower.
The following methodology has been adopted:
- There shall be a selective approach and appropriate funding in a phased manner.
- Well-established institutions with good infrastructure, good faculty, and linkages with R&D Organisations and other fund-giving agencies will be preferred for support under the scheme in order to maximise the returns from the investment.
- Subject-wise Expert Committee will examine the projects and formulate recommendations.
- The National Expert Committee will provide guidelines and consider the recommendations made by the Expert Committee for approval.
- Funds will be released on the approval of the National Expert Committee.
22.2 During the first two years of the Seventh Plan 89 proposals were supported at a cost of Rs. 15.37 Crores. 117 proposals during 1987-88 at a cost of Rs. 14.00 crores have been supported. The targets for 1988-89 and 1989-90 are for funding 90 and 95 proposals respectively.
(b) Expansion of facilities in crucial areas of technology where weak- ness exists:
22.3 The main objective of the scheme is to expand facilities in certain crucial areas of technology in the engineering institutions offering courses at under-graduate level through:
- strengthening the infrastructure of laboratory equipment; - diversification of courses; - expansion of base for post-graduate education; and - development of consultancy and linkages with user agencies.
39
22.4 Financial support to engineering and technological institutions will be provided to strengthen facilities for offering courses in crucial areas such as computer science, electronics, material science, etc. where courses have been started at the under-graduate level without adequate infrastructural facilities. Eleven areas of technology have been identified for support under this programme.
22.5 During the first two years of the 7th Plan, 128 proposals were funded to the time of Rs. 14.50 crores. During 1987-88, 76 proposals at a cost of Rs. 8.25 crores have been supported.
22.6 This is a new element incorporated in POA of the NPE. The objectives are:
- Programmes of new/or improved technologies and offering new courses:
- To develop proper academic programmes in new/improved technologies in different technological institutions keeping in view the changing industrial scene and pace of technology development the world over.
- In anticipation of future technological advancement, to develop trained manpower in the new technology areas through diversity of programmes and courses in the technological institutions.
46 new areas of technology have been identified by experts for offering new courses/,programmes.
22.7 The budget provision for 1987-88 is Rs. 40.00 lakhs. Two projects under this scheme have been sanctioned and an amount of Rs. 37 lakhs released during 87-88.
40