LUCKNOW, Aug. 6 -- The state government has introduced a major overhaul of its technical education sector by implementing a new state-level quality framework and a streamlined online process for college affiliations and course approvals. The new directives aim to enhance quality, market relevance and accountability among technical institutions in state. To ensure quality technical education, the government has made it mandatory for all technical universities and their affiliated colleges to adhere to national ranking and accreditation standards. The new state quality framework (SQF) will include three key components, including NAAC accreditation, NBA accreditation and NIRF ranking. "The new framework introduces strict accountability measures. According to the directive, institutions that receive a ranking in the lowest band (Grade-D) for three consecutive years will risk losing their affiliation. Those that receive a Grade-D for the first time will be provided with mentoring for one academic year to improve their performance," said additional chief secretary, technical education, Narendra Bhushan on Monday. Affiliations will now be granted for a minimum of three years, with a five-year affiliation reserved for high-quality institutions that meet standards like NIRF, NBA and NAAC. The government has also stated that it can suspend or revoke an institution's affiliation at any time if it fails to comply with quality standards or an investigation into a complaint reveals irregularities . htc...