Students welcome AICTE support on complaints

Students have lauded the move by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) that directs institutions to have an online grievance redressal mechanism in practice.

“It is a good step as there are many cases of admission cancellation, delay in exams, irregular classes and delay in disbursal of scholarships by colleges. Students will get a chance to voice their concerns and will be reassured knowing their problems will be addressed,” says a student of a Delhi-based engineering college.

According to the 2012 AICTE gazette regulations, students can file a complaint if a college makes admission contrary to merit or against its admission policy.

They can also raise an issue if there is irregularity in the admission process adopted by the institute, or demands fee in excess of what is specified in the admission policy.

Students seeking admission under the reserved categories can also file a complaint if there is a breach of the policy for reservation in admissions.

A grievance can be filed if there is a delay in disbursal of scholarships, conduct of exams or declaration of results beyond that specified in the academic calendar. Students can also make a case if they are not satisfied with the facilities offered to them in college or if the facilities are not enough as per what was promised to them during admissions. Other instances include non-transparent or unfair evaluation practices; sexual harassment and refund of fees on withdrawal of admissions.