VISAKHAPATNAM: The Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh, has decided to conduct a special drive to shutdown the unrecognised colleges and also the colleges which have not followed the guidelines as per the government directions. Already, a team of officials are preparing a list of the colleges to issue notices after the Intermediate examinations. The board had decided to close all the unrecognised colleges across the state before the new academic year commences.
Meanwhile, the board had already found that some college managements which obtained recognition for one college were running three or more branches at various locations, particularly in the urban areas. According to the guidelines of the board, each branch should have a separate recognition certificate to run the college. However, some of the managements, including corporate colleges, did not obtain recognition to all its colleges and sending the students from their recognised institution. Though it is a serious offence, in view of the career of the students and appeals made from the parents, the Intermediate Board officials are not taking any serious action against the managements.
However, the Intermediate Board took a firm decision not to allow such institutions from the new academic year. With all the Regional Intermediate Officers of the 13 districts busy with the examinations, the board has decided to start the special drive soon after the examinations.
“We have noticed two categories of colleges. In the first category, one college will have recognition and runs several branches with the same certificate. The recognised colleges also send students rof unrecognised colleges for the examinations. In fact, the parents should make enquiries before admitting their children into the unrecognised colleges. However, fee structure, proximity, financial status and several other factors influence the parents.
Meanwhile, the unrecognised college managements promise the parents that students would be sent for the examinations from the reputed and recognised colleges. With the assurance, parents seek admission for their wards.
The second category colleges have recognition certificate but do not follow the rules and regulations. We have already prepared a list of the truant colleges and issued notices. The colleges should obtain renewal of fire, sanitary certificates every year and the colleges should also have parking place. Each college should have a minimum plinth area of 8,000 s.ft (for 4 sections) and 1,600 sft parking area. There are many complaints against colleges as the traffic is disrupted. This year we have decided to check those colleges well before the admission process begins,” a senior official of the Board of Intermediate Education said. The managements of unrecognised colleges would be punished with six-month imprisonment and also impose fine as per the Andhra Pradesh Education Act, the official added.
Strict Drive
The board is very keen to check the unrecognised colleges and colleges which have not been following the guidelines. A special drive will be conducted across the state to shutdown the unrecognised colleges. In fact, last year also we conducted checks and slapped notices on the managements. However, before the start of the admissions, the list of unrecognised colleges will be announced alerting the parents. The board will take tough action on the violators also, said MV Satyanarayana, secretary, Board of Intermediate Education.