INDIAN INSTITUTES OF 
TECHNOLOGY (IITS)
 

27.1 The five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) at Kharagpur, Bombay, Madras, Kanpur and Delhi were established as premier centres of education and training in engineering and applied sciences at the undergraduate level and to provide adequate facilities for post- graduate studies and research. These are 'Institutes of National Importance'.

27.2 The IITs have made great contributions in the matter of transfer of technology. A large number of industries have benefitted from the research work done by these Institutes either under sponsorship or on their own. Over the years, they have also suceeded in developing patents and their exploitation by the industry. Through the sponsored research projects and consultancy work undertaken by the IITs and their faculty, sizeable revenue accrues to the Institutes every year.

27.3 Another significant contribution made by the IITs in the development of Science Technology in the country is the assistance extended by them in the development of curricula etc. for the benefit of other engineering/technological institutions.

27.4 Each of the IITs has drawn up its own 'Programme of Action' (POA) to implement the directives indicated in the NPE 1986. The Planning Commission had detailed discussions with the Directors of IITs so as to involve them in the formulation of the 8th Five Year Plan and its implementation. Suitable approach papers for the purpose are under preparation. The emphasis for development during the remaining part of the 7th Plan and the 8th Plan period will be on strengthening infrastructural facilities including construction of additional hostels and staff quarters, modernisation of laboratories, introduction of new courses in the emerging thrust areas, removal of obsolescence of equipment, institution of new programmes for quality improvement, staff and faculty development etc., so that these institutions are further developed as Centres of excellence in engineering and technological education and research and also provide leadership for the development of the rest of the technical education system. In view of the multifarious responsibilities given to them, each IIT was provided Rs. 4 crores under the current year's plan. They have also been involved in a networking arrangement with other institutions.

27.5 One of the recent highlights of the IIT system was its evaluation. A high-powered Review Committee which evaluated the working and performance of IITs submitted its report in February 1987. The recommendations made by the Review Committee have been discussed extensively at various levels within the IITs and are now under the active consideration of the IIT Council and the Government. Implementation of the recommendations will be regularly monitored by the IIT Council.

27.6 During 1987-88, the plan and non-plan budget provision for the five IITs was 89.50 crores.

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