Technical colleges, including engineering, management, polytechnic, cannot insist on payment of tuition and admission fees during the ongoing lockdown. These colleges cannot terminate teachers or even hold back their salaries in this period, stated the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in a directive issued on Wednesday. The council also clarified that students who are unable to complete their internships from home, can fulfil the requirement in December this year. Directions on exams, however, is awaited, it said. The council said that attendance could be relaxed for online lectures, considering unavailability of internet and poor bandwidth in some areas.
After receiving complaints on standalone institutions charging fees during the lockdown, the council clarified that they cannot insist on fees till lockdown is lifted and normalcy is restored. Termination letters given to any teachers during this period has to be withdrawn. A letter clarifying this has been sent to chief secretaries of states.
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AICTE also said that online classes should continue during the lockdown. A revised academic calendar will be issued soon, it mentioned. The council said that the decision on semester-end exams, the modalities, award of marks and passing criteria will be taken soon by a UGC-appointed committee. The council asked students to pursue internships from home if possible or to fulfill the requirement in December.
The council asked colleges to allow students in the vicinity to access internet services, even if they are from other colleges.
Courtesy: TOI
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