There appears to be a slow-down on the IIEST front. This is because there is a resistance from the respective govt. to completely hand over their colleges to central govt., as required for upgrade to IIEST. The states are also worrying about losing admissions opportunity for the state students, once the admission is started on national level for IIEST. Following colleges are short-listed by Anandakrishnan Committee for upgradation to IIEST status:
- IT-BHU (central govt.)
- Bengal Engineering College (West Bengal govt.)
- CUSAT University (Kerala govt.)
- Osmania University (Andhra govt.)
- Andhra University (Andhra govt.)
As per the agreed time-table, the process of converting a college into IIEST in expected to be over by around March 2007, and admission should start to the IIESTs by next year.
Following news reports are pertaining to IIEST debate:
- JU status shift shelved http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061107/asp/nation/story_6969136.asp
- Conditional nod for Cusat upgradation
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2006/10/27/stories/2006102719970500.htm - Proposal to convert engineering college into IIT opposed
http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/13/stories/2006101304351500.htm - Campus upgrade on track
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061017/asp/calcutta/story_6879071.asp
Most of the above news are not to be taken too seriously, as the state govts. may be trying for a bargain with the central govt.
P.S. According to our informed sources: On October 18, HRD Ministry has forwarded application for setting up five new IIESTs to Planning Commission for funding purpose.
Disclaimer- The above views are my personal views, and do not reflect that of our institute.
Yogesh Upadhyaya (chemical 1977)