The efforts to raise the standard of technical education are yielding results with nine Government Polytechnic Colleges in the State securing recognition by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). They are located at Vijayawada, Gannavaram, Srikakulam, Kuppam, Anakapalli, Kalyana Durgam, Amadalavalasa, Kakinada and Guntur.
“We are trying to achieve the same for all the Government Polytechnic Colleges in the State by the end of this academic year,” said Commissioner, Technical Education, Chadalavada Nagarani on October 12 (Thursday).
After noticing that the Government Polytechnic Colleges were lagging behind in terms of recognition by the NBA, focus has been shifted to sprucing up these institutions by scaling up facilities. In the first phase, 41 of the total 87 Polytechnic Colleges in the State applied for NBA approval. “Nine of them have already been granted recognition,” she said, adding that the process was in progress for another 10 colleges. However, the remaining colleges would get the national accreditation in the next academic year, she said.
The official said a marathon exercise of conducting a series of review meetings to chalk out action plans to achieve the goal, and the implementation of the initiatives and their effective monitoring, under the guidance of the Chief Secretary Jawahar Reddy and the Secretary, Department of Skill Development, S. Suresh Kumar, had made it possible.
She said all the Government Polytechnic College buildings across the State are being modernised. They are being given a fresh coat of paint, and equipped with modern laboratories and improved facilities for students besides rationalisation of staff. The student accommodation is also getting a facelift.
“As a result, the Polytechnic College buildings have an inviting look now,” said Ms. Nagarani, pointing out that technical education played a critical role in building the economic prosperity and social stability of a State.
She said the demand for people with technical skills had increased exponentially due to the growth of technology and innovation and added that the State cannot afford to miss the bus.