A fresh controversy is brewing over seats under the NRI quota in the state's engineering colleges, with the association of college managements seeking a CBI probe into the largesse allegedly offered to a select few institutions. While the AICTE norms stipulate that only 5 per cent of seats should be allotted under the NRI quota, the state government allows managements of some elite institutions to offer 15 per cent seats to students who can afford them, it is alleged.

This is done by substituting the clause “in lieu of NRI” to the NRI quota in a direct violation of AICTE norms. Taking advantage of this, some top engineering colleges openly sell these seats, it is alleged.

The Consortium of Engineering and Profe-ssional Colleges Manag-ement Associations of AP has now demanded a CBI investigation into the issue, alleging that some “unscrupulous ministers and government officials” have relaxed the rules with kickbacks from certain elite institutions. Mr Nimmaturi Ramesh, general secretary of the consortium, said: “A college with 600 seats is allowed to admit 90 students in NRI quota by relaxing these (AICTE) norms. That way, these colleges get undue benefit up to Rs 9 crore.

“They offer kickbacks to ministers and officials concerned to secure relaxation. We demand a CBI inquiry.” As part of the ploy to get admissions under the NRI quota, students who fail to get seats on merit through Eamcet are asked to get a letter from an NRI, stating that he/she will sponsor the student.

However, in reality though, the student's parents pay the entire fee, it is learnt. As part of NRI quota, the government allows college managements to collect $5,000 per annum as prescribed by the Admission and Fee Regulatory Committee. This amounts to nearly Rs 2.5 lakh per candidate. The regular fee is Rs 95,000 per annum. Besides, while the AICTE norms specify the fee for admissions under the NRI quota can be paid only in dollars, these colleges accept the money in rupees, thereby flouting another stipulation, it is alleged.

Source : DC