Mumbai: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), which is the apex body of engineering and technical institutes of Maharashtra, would not be giving approval to any new colleges to commence from the next academic year 2018-19.

Every year, there are new players who wish to establish private or government aided institutes or colleges for which they need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the AICTE. However, last year the state government conducted a survey in all the aforesaid courses colleges in the state. “The survey was submitted to us which said that more than 40 to 50 per cent are vacant in colleges and institutes. So, instead of bringing in fresh colleges will continue the situation. After considering the state government's decision, our focus is on strengthening the existing colleges and to supply seats at colleges according to the demands for the students,” said Dr Amit Dutta, Regional Officer (Mumbai) of AICTE.

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