Ed Tech Companies can’t be Allowed to Delve into Areas that are not their Domain, even IIMs can’t, says AICTE President.

According to Anil Sahasrabuddhe, president of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the government is not against Ed Tech companies but they cannot be allowed to go into areas that do not offer diploma and degree courses.

The AICTE chairman’s remarks came after the technical education regulator and the University Grants Commission (UGC) warned universities and colleges against offering courses in distance learning and online mode in association with ed-tech companies, stating that No “franchise” agreements are allowed as per norm.

We have given approval to universities and colleges to offer degree and diploma programs, but they should offer it on their own, not to piggyback on private companies or outsource their jobs to a third party,” said Sahasrabuddhe told PTI in an interview.

 “These are postgraduate programs in management and computer applications that can be offered only by universities and approved colleges. Top institutes of the country like Indian Institute of Management (IIM) are also not allowed to award management degree, they offer diploma in management. How can we allow ed-tech companies to do this?” he said.

UGC and AICTE have also advised students and parents to check the accreditation status of any program on their website before enrolling in any course.

 “I am not downplaying the importance of ed-tech companies, especially those started from our approved colleges and universities. They all have their own importance in terms of skill and training and they can issue certificates for the same but not degrees and diplomas.

 Tech companies offer courses in the upskilling space, distance learning and online mode in collaboration with recognized universities and institutes.