BIT Sindri

Dhanbad, Aug. 12: State-run engineering institute, BIT Sindri, is all set to apply for academic autonomy from the Vinoba Bhave University (VBU), a comprehensive proposal regarding which is expected to come up on August 13.

S.K. Singh, director of BIT Sindri said he would be going tomorrow with the proposal to place it before varsity vice chancellor Jyoti Lal Oraon. A verbal discussion on this had already taken place when Oraon had visited the campus around two weeks ago.

A similar proposal is also expected to come up before the University Grants Commission (UGC), whose final approval would be needed to stake BIT’s autonomy claim.

In addition, a no objection certificate (NOC) of the state would also be necessary for the purpose.

Significantly, academic autonomy was the primary criteria for an institute to receive the World Bank funding worth Rs 12 crore under phase II of the Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP), the last date for applying for which was August 16.

“We will send a detailed project report to apply for TEQIP after presenting the proposal before the syndicate, the varsity’s decision-making body, before the final approval,” said Singh.

Though BIT Sindri enjoyed informal autonomy, all major decisions, including setting questions, evaluation and fixing of examination schedules were being taken by the university.

“Autonomy would lessen the burden on the institute, which currently is overloaded with the task of evaluation and academic work of other engineering colleges, including private ones,” said Singh.

A UGC team was expected on the campus for an inspection after the formalities.