New Delhi: Government on Thursday approved a proposal to amend the National Institutes of Technology Act to declare NITs as institutes of national importance and enable them to award degrees.
The proposed amendment would also incorporate the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (Iiser) in the ambit of the 2007 Act and give representation to nearby premier Central institutions in the boards of governors of the NITs.
The Union Cabinet decided to amend the NITs Act and introduce a bill in this regard in the next session of Parliament,information and broadcasting minister Ambika Soni said.
There are 20 NITs at present under the Act, which has been in operation for 23 months. A need has now been felt to amend it, she said.
The proposed amendment would also ensure strengthening of transitional provisions of the Act, besides facilitating the appointment of deputy directors in NITs.
It will also aim at improving the existing set-up, establishing of proper and effective management structures in these technical institutions and providing an environment to encourage innovative ideas.