Mangaluru's KPT achieves autonomous status

Mangaluru: The prestigious Karnataka Government Polytechnic (KPT) in Kadri, Mangaluru, has been granted autonomous status. This makes it the first government polytechnic in Karnataka to achieve this distinction. From the upcoming academic year, student admissions will be conducted under the new autonomous framework.

Previously, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) only granted autonomous recognition to engineering colleges. Diploma colleges were not eligible for autonomy. However, with increased emphasis on skill development nationwide, diploma colleges are now being considered for autonomous status. Several government polytechnics across the country have since received autonomy.

The process to obtain autonomy at KPT began nearly 18 months ago. In July this year, a team of AICTE officials visited the institution for evaluation, and the required criteria, such as completing 50 years of operation, were met by the institution.

Benefits of Autonomy

Currently, all government polytechnics in Karnataka follow a uniform syllabus set by the Department of Technical Education. With autonomous status, KPT will have the flexibility to design industry-oriented curricula. This will offer students better academic and industrial opportunities.

The college will have the authority to conduct its own examinations, set its own question papers, and manage the admission process internally. The institution will also be able to establish direct collaborations with industries. Moreover, KPT will receive priority when applying for grants from AICTE and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), according to Principal Harish Shetty.

Autonomy for Five Years

The autonomous status granted to KPT will be valid for five years. If the institution wishes to extend this status, it must apply for renewal three months before the completion of the five-year period.

Eight Departments, Over 1,000 Students

KPT, established in 1946 with diploma courses in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Automobile Engineering, has completed 78 years of service. Initially located in a rented building in Pandeshwar under the erstwhile Madras government, it was shifted to Kadri Hills in 1954.

The institution now sits on a 19-acre campus and offers diploma courses in Computer Science Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Polymer Technology. Currently, more than 1,000 students are enrolled at the institution.

“As KPT celebrates its 78th year, the AICTE has recognized its efforts with autonomous status. This is a significant step toward the future growth of the institution. This recognition is the result of collective efforts. The autonomy will greatly benefit students academically and professionally in the coming years,” said Harish Shetty, Principal, KPT Mangaluru.

 

Translated version of Kannada article by Bharat Shettigar