Row over lateral intake for diploma engineering students

The All India Council for Technical Education's (AICTE) decision to bring down the intake of direct admission to second-year engineering courses for diploma holders from 20 to 10% has been the reason for much unrest among teachers. The decision has sparked angry reactions from a large section of students and teachers.  

 
Ashok Hundekari, a teacher from Nashik (Maharashtra ), has reportedly written a letter to HRD Ministry urging to take prompt action against the AICTE’s decision.
 
"It is requested to retain 20% seats for diploma holders to get admission in the second year of engineering. This reconsideration of the decision would boost the morale of the students who are already pursuing diploma course," read a letter sent to Hon’ble Dr. Satya Pal Singh ( Minister of State for HRD – Higher Education).

The extract (highlighting the issue) of the letter is mentioned below.  
(1) Number of students taking admission to ‘Diploma in Engineering’ is more due to various reasons such as economic constraints, no seats vacant in “Desired - Engineering College” etc. It provides to students another opportunity to take admission in their “Desired - Engineering College”. However, the number of seats for Diploma holders to get admission directly to Degree in the Second Year of Engineering is already less.
(2) As per latest AICTE’s decision, it would be very difficult to get admission in ‘Reputed - Engineering College’ due to the reduction in seats from 12 seats (20%) to 6 seats (10%).
(3) This decision would affect the morale of those students who have already enrolled themselves in Diploma courses considering the earlier situation of the seats i.e. 20%. Now the students who are in the final year of the course are getting panic and disturbed because of the current decision and not able to concentrate on their studies.
(4) With fewer seats available in degree programmes, diploma holders will be forced to seek employment, instead of pursuing higher education.
(5) This decision could disturb the current demand and supply situation of 11th and 12th science courses. Because of this the admission in polytechnic/diploma colleges may be decreased up to 50%.