Planning, architecture schools, colleges may come under UD

In a major decision aimed at better coordination and management of institutes by the ministries concerned, the Committee of Secretaries has recommended making Ministry of Urban Development as the controlling authority of all institutes of architecture and planning.

The Panel, which is headed by Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha, during its recent meeting has recommended reallocation of Architects Act, 1972 from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) to Urban Development Ministry, which on implementation would enable the latter regulate architect education and profession.

With this decision, the UD Ministry, which is headed by Venkaiah Naidu, would become the custodian of all schools and colleges of planning and architecture. If the proposal of the panel is being accepted, the UD Ministry would be entrusted with preparation of syllabus and contents of different courses for different institutes, which was being done by HRD Ministry. +