New Delhi : The idea of starting second shifts in existing universities and colleges is doing the rounds in government circles.

A roundtable on higher education, set up by HRD Ministry, today discussed about such a measure which is aimed at utilising fully the facilities that remain unused after the class hours.

The committee, chaired by HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, explored the possibilities whether facilities could be used for second shifts in the existing institutions.

There are about 480 universities and nearly 20,000 colleges in the country. Facilities at majority of these institutions remain unutilised in the evening hour.

The roundtable also discussed about uniform accounting standards to be followed by educational institutions. The educational institutions are following different accounting standards at present.