Accurate information on disability not being collected in census programmes'

February 16, 2011

Mangalore, February 16: An 'All India Coordinators' Meeting' was inaugurated at Dr MV Shetty College of Speech and Hearing at Kavoor here on Wednesday, February 16.

Speaking at the inaugural session, RCI Chairman Major General (retd) Ian Cardoz threw light on the issues that will be discussed in the next three days and also on few current issues. He said that dedication, commitment and the love for the persons who are disabled are the three important aspects of a good professional in the rehabilitation field.

Speaking about prevention of disability, he said that owing to many imperfections in the present PWD act of 1995, a new disability act will be introduced, which needs support from all citizens in general and rehabilitation professionals in particular.

As per the statistics of the Government only two percent of the population is disabled, but in reality, it is approximately ten percent, he said, adding that accurate information needs to be accumulated during census programme.

MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik in his address said the present education system is giving importance to information and skills but not for values. “The actual purpose of education is “enlightenment”, which leads to leadership and hence true professionalism”, he added.

Secretary of Dr M V Shetty Memorial Trust Dr M R Shetty presided over the programme. Principal of the College TA Subba Rao welcomed the gathering. Deputy Director of RCI Dr S K Mishra proposed vote of thanks.

Three eminent personalities, Maj Gen (retd) Ian Cardoza, M R Shetty and RCI Member Secretary Dr J P Singh were felicitated on the occasion.

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Mangaluru’s KPT becomes India’s first autonomous govt polytechnic

News Network

January 23,2026

Mangaluru: The Karnataka Government Polytechnic (KPT), Mangaluru, has achieved autonomous status from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), becoming the first government polytechnic in the country to receive such recognition in its 78-year history. The status was granted by AICTE, New Delhi, and subsequently approved by the Karnataka Board of Technical Education in October last year.

Officials said the autonomy was conferred a few months ago. Until recently, AICTE extended autonomous status only to engineering colleges, excluding diploma institutions. However, with a renewed national focus on skill development, several government polytechnics across India have now been granted autonomy.

KPT, the second-largest polytechnic in Karnataka, was established in 1946 with four branches and has since expanded to offer eight diploma programmes, including computer science and polymer technology. The institution is spread across a 19-acre campus.

Ravindra M Keni, the first dean of the institution, told The Times of India that AICTE had proposed autonomous status for polytechnic institutions that are over 25 years old. “Many colleges applied. In the first round, 100 institutions were shortlisted, which was further narrowed down to 15 in the second round. We have already completed one semester after becoming an autonomous institution,” he said. He added that nearly 500 students are admitted annually across eight three-year diploma courses.

Explaining the factors that helped KPT secure autonomy, Keni said the institution has consistently recorded 100 per cent admissions and placements for its graduates. He also noted its strong performance in sports, with the college emerging champions for 12 consecutive years, along with active student participation in NCC and NSS activities.

Autonomous status allows KPT to design industry-oriented curricula, conduct examinations, prepare question papers, and manage academic documentation independently. The institution can also directly collaborate with industries and receive priority funding from AICTE or the Ministry of Education. While academic autonomy has been granted, financial control will continue to rest with the state government.

“There will be separate committees for examinations, question paper setting, boards of studies, and boards of examiners. The institution will now have the freedom to conduct admissions without government notifications and issue its own marks cards,” Keni said, adding that new academic initiatives would be planned after a year of functioning under the autonomous framework.

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