An MoU would be signed between the Odisha Government and the Centre in New Delhi on January 30 for implementation of the Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP) in the State.
Eight engineering colleges of the State have been included under the TEQIP in the third phase of the project, said sources. The Centre launched the TEQIP in 13 districts of the country covering 127 educational institutions in the first phase of the scheme in 2003.
The validity of TEQIP-1 ended in 2009. The TEQIP-2 was launched in 23 States and the Union Territories covering 191 educational institutions. The project is scheduled to be a complete one in March this year.
In the third phase, the Centre has enlisted a few States, including Odisha, as ‘Focussed States’ for development of technical education at an investment of Rs 2,660 crore.
The eight engineering colleges of Odisha that are included under the project are VSSUT, CET, IGIT and others, where the TEQIP-3 will be implemented in two phases. The Centre has asked the State to furnish all information regarding these engineering colleges by January 30.
In the TEQIP-3, the Centre has laid emphasis on the central, eastern and north-eastern States. The project will focus on developing the quality education, filling up the faculty positions, imparting training to the teachers through new technology and research sectors.
Besides, focus would also be laid on development of the management in the institutions. The Centre would provide the funds to the institutions through Direct Fund Transfer (DFT), sources said.