Confusion over NIST’s approval letter

BHUBANESWAR/BRAHMAPUR: Confusion over Brahmapur-based National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST)’s approval letter is increasing as the institution had submitted the letter in front of the court much before the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)’s approval to allow them to increase seats in mechanical and electrical discipline.

According to sources, NIST submitted the approval letter of AICTE before the Odisha High Court on May 15, 2012, where it was written that the institution could start teaching after taking 60 students each in Electrical and Mechanical engineering.

In July 5, 2012, the court ordered to the institution to start taking student in the two disciplines. As a result, NIST took 101 students in the said disciplines.

In September 18, 2012, AICTE informed that they have not given any permission to increase 60 seats each in two disciplines. After getting the information, the Department of Technical Education and Training (DTET) of the State and Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) wrote a letter to the AICTE to know the truth about the approval.

October 9, 2012, the AICTE cleared the DTET authorities’ confusion over the approval and stated that they have not given permission to NIST.

In November 17, the DTET wrote to the Crime Branch to lodge a complaint against the NIST authorities who had submitted forging document before the court.

“The AICTE has confirmed and re-confirmed that the institute has obtained the approval letter to start electrical and mechanical engineering in the college. The letter dated November 12, 2012 is there in the AICTE website,” said NIST director Sangram Muduli.        

According to the institution authorities, they have received the approval letter on November 12, while they have already submitted an approval letter in May 15 before the court. Then how the institution showed the letter left many question unanswered.

“A case has been registered after getting complaint from the DTET. The investigation is on. It is a serious case,” said Crime Branch ADG Bijay Sharma.