Government says, all technical institutes are mandated to reserve up to five per cent of their seats for students from economically weaker sections under the tution fee waiver scheme. Addressing a Press Conference in New Delhi on Thursday, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said that a new policy has been formulated to promote technical education in the country. He said this includes setting up of technical institutions in the areas where these do not exist. He added that the institutions can be set up through Public-Private Partnership in 241 districts identified across the country. He said that companies registered as non profit entities will also be allowed to set up technical institutions to ensure planned and coordinated development of technical education. Mr Sibal announced setting up of overseas campuses to promote technical education in the country. He however said that these institutes will need government’s clearance and will be subject to local laws.

Mr Sibal also announced that All India Institute of Technical Education is coming up with a system of e-governence to ensure transparency and swift decision making. AICTE will process all approvals for Polytechnics. Henceforth it will also regulate all autonomous PGDM courses not affiliated to any university. Also students pursuing Vocational and Technical Courses in various State Boards will get lateral entry directly into the second year of degree programs.