The All India Council for Technical Education celebrated Engineers Day with a major announcement. They launched three new initiatives designed to transform technical education across India. This move aims to strengthen the ecosystem and foster innovation among students and faculty.
Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, officially introduced the programs. The event saw the presence of Prof. T.G. Sitharam, AICTE Chairman, and other senior dignitaries. Their collective presence highlighted the importance of these advancements.
Project PRACTICE is one of the flagship programs unveiled. It focuses on uplifting 1,000 tier-2 and tier-3 engineering institutions with lower academic outcomes. This initiative will introduce project-based learning and live industry projects to enhance employability.
The project is supported by Maker Bhavan Foundation, LEAP, and CRISP. A total investment of Rs 23.31 crore is shared equally by AICTE and its partners. This funding ensures robust implementation and wide-reaching impact.
Over three years, Project PRACTICE aims to benefit 20 lakh students directly. It will also support 10,000 faculty members across the nation. The goal is to ensure stronger industry linkages and foster innovation.
Dr. Vineet Joshi emphasized preparing graduates for global leadership in technology. He noted successes from tier-2 and tier-3 institutions in developing drones for national security. The government is committed to removing barriers in technical education.
Prof. T.G. Sitharam shared his vision for nurturing innovative leaders. He stated that Project PRACTICE will redefine project-based learning. It will strengthen industry-academia collaboration, especially in colleges with untapped potential.
The AICTE Research Internship Portal was also launched. This portal will provide students access to meaningful research opportunities. It complements the other initiatives by promoting hands-on experience.
Additionally, the AICTE R&D Cell and Climate Cell will be established in all approved institutions. The Climate Cell will foster environmental responsibility among students. It aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable development goals.
R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of CRISP, highlighted the focus on non-meritorious institutions. Project PRACTICE aims to support neglected colleges and promote their growth. The goal is to bring them into the mainstream of quality education.
Prof. R.K. Bhandari appreciated AICTE’s visionary move. He congratulated AICTE and its partners for their commitment to innovation. These initiatives are expected to create a significant impact.
Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan commended AICTE for its strategic focus. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to quality and inclusivity in engineering education. This effort aligns with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
The initiatives mark a pivotal step toward enhancing technical education in India. They promise to create a more dynamic and industry-ready workforce. Students and faculty alike stand to gain immensely from these programs.
Engineers Day celebrations thus set a new benchmark for educational reforms. The focus remains on practical learning and sustainable development. These efforts will shape the future of engineering in the country.