Scholars want govt to play bigger role
From Ravi S. Singh
GURGAON: A number of educationists in the state want reforms in the education system, saying that the present one has failed to ensure overall development of a student’s personality.

'Year of Sanskrit'
THE Government of India has constituted a committee under the Chairmanship of Justice Ranganath Mishra to chalk out programmes for popularising and promoting Sanskrit.

ALSA-India’s expanding horizons
By Kamaljit Singh
ASIAN Law Students’ Association (ALSA) India Chapter is to be established at Law Department of Panjab University, Chandigarh, shortly. Explaining the modalities of the ALSA-India, the Chairman of the Department, Prof. V.K.Bansal, says we have invited applications from law students for membership and by this month-end the India Chapter would start functioning for exploring possibilities of law exchange programmes with other universities in the world.

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Quantum jump in literacy rate
By V.P. Prabhakar

INDIA’S literacy rate is on the rise as indicated by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO). The quantum jump of 10 per cent between 1991 and 1997 and 12 per cent between 1991 and 1998 in the literacy percentage thus compares favourably with the trends in yesteryear.

The urban-rural differential in the literacy rate has also shown a marked decline, which is faster than in any previous decade. The rise in female literacy is another encouraging aspect. This is considered by the Department of Education a tribute to the special emphasis laid by the National Literacy Mission on woman’s participation.

Although literacy campaigns are being implemented with varying degrees of success, it is certain that a lot of progress has been achieved. The focus, according to the report of the department, is now on the four low literacy Hindi-speaking states which together account for 50 per cent of the total number of illiterate in the country. Now that the process has begun in these states, the goal of universal literacy appears closer.

In 1991 the census for the first time gave reasons for optimism regarding India’s literacy rate. That year India’s literacy rate crossed the half way mark. It stood at 52.21 per cent — 64.13 per cent in case of male and 39.29 per cent in case of female.

The 53rd round of the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) has indicated that literacy in this decade has shown dramatic improvement. According to the annual report of the Department of Education, the literacy rate in 1997 was 62 per cent. It was projected to be 64 per cent by the end of 1998.

Mizoram, according to the NSSO, has overtaken Kerala and now holds the top spot with 95 per cent literacy. Kerala, which is now in the second place has gone from 89.81 per cent in 1991 to 93 per cent in 1997. Among the southern states, Tamil Nadu continued its inexorable march jumping from 62.66 per cent in 1991 to 70 per cent in 1997.

Among the Hindi-speaking states, Himachal Pradesh leads with 77 per cent literacy. The achievements in the major Hindi-speaking states are equally dramatic. Rajasthan has moved forward from 38.55 per cent in 1991 to 55 per cent in 1997 (a 16 per cent differential).

Uttar Pradesh has moved from 41.6 per cent to 56 per cent in 1997 (14.4 per cent differential), Bihar from 38.5 per cent to 49 per cent (10.5 per cent differential) and Madhya Pradesh from 44.2 per cent to 56 per cent (11.8 per cent differential) during the same period. Haryana has moved from 55.8 per cent to 66 per cent.

Other states have also shown, according to the report, remarkable improvement in their literacy performance. Punjab is now 69 per cent. Sikkim has moved to 22.1 per cent forward from 56.9 per cent to 79 per cent. Assam has moved from 52.9 per cent to 75 per cent, a differential of 22.1 per cent. West Bengal has moved from 57.7 per cent to 72 per cent, a differential of 14.3 per cent.

In the north-east Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland have done well. Meghalaya has moved from 49.1 to 77 and Nagaland from 61.1 per cent to 84 per cent.

Among the union territories, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has 97 per cent literacy, Lakshadweep 96 per cent and Pondicherry 90 per cent.

States which have not shown much improvement are Orissa which moved from 49.1 per cent in 1991 to 51 per cent in 1997 and Karnataka from 56 per cent in 1991 to 58 per cent in 1997.

The 53rd round has highlighted the fact that the gap between urban and rural literacy rates has narrowed considerably. While as per the 1991 census the urban and rural literacy rates were 73.1 per cent and 44.7 per cent, respectively, the 53rd round of the NSSO reveals that the urban literacy rate now is 80 per cent and rural literacy rate 56 per cent. It is clear that the rate at which rural literacy has grown has been faster than the urban literacy rate during the intervening years.

According to the NSSO survey, female literacy rosen by 11 per cent during 1991 and 1997 and the male literacy rate by 9 per cent.

According to NSSO projections, by the year 2001, the literacy rate in the country will be 68 per cent. With the annual rate of literacy of 2 per cent revealed by the NSSO survey, India could expect to touch a sustainable threshold level of 75 per cent by the year 2005.

Scholars want govt to play bigger role
From Ravi S. Singh

GURGAON: A number of educationists in the state want reforms in the education system, saying that the present one has failed to ensure overall development of a student’s personality.

At a seminar here on “School education scenario” organised in the office of the Council for Education Research and Training (SCERT), Haryana, Dr V.B. Taneja, a former Director of the SCERT, stressed on the need for more research by teachers. The seminar was organised by the Atul Katarya Memorial Trust in collaboration with the SCERT. Lieut Atul Katarya, a resident of Gurgaon village, lost his live in the Kashmir valley in an operation against Pakistani militants.

A number of speakers said so far the government role towards education in schools had left much to be desired and expressed the need for more pro-active measures from it towards core issues.

Several speakers alleged that neither the government nor the people seemed to be interested in the functioning of village schools which were languishing either on account of funds or infrastructure. It was also alleged that teachers did not attend the schools in the villages after they were transferred. Not many wanted to be posted in rural areas.

A couple of speakers made out a case for a change in the pattern of education as well as the syllabi since the present one had failed to develop the overall personality of students. The education system of today was job oriented. Also, the system did not provide for ingredients of strengthen the moral character of the students.

The Director of SCERT, Mrs S. Sandhir, in the address said the seminar was an appropriate homage to the great son (Lieut Katarya) of Haryana.

ALSA-India’s expanding horizons
By Kamaljit Singh

ASIAN Law Students’ Association (ALSA) India Chapter is to be established at Law Department of Panjab University, Chandigarh, shortly. Explaining the modalities of the ALSA-India, the Chairman of the Department, Prof. V.K.Bansal, says we have invited applications from law students for membership and by this month-end the India Chapter would start functioning for exploring possibilities of law exchange programmes with other universities in the world.

ALSA, headquartered in Tokyo, has affiliation with European Law Students Association (ELSA) which enjoys observer status in the UN. In the last session, the department had an academic exchange with ELSA, Stockholm University, and a need was felt to carry on such exchanges in future. “Students will be benefited by exposure to law studies in other countries and may later take up comparative studies. Such studies will help develop a greater understanding of laws of other nations and in introducing reforms in legal education and the system of administrative justice,” says Prof. Bansal.

Elaborating on the composition of the India Chapter, he says.It will have law students, including former students and young advocates as senior members. For funding the chapter we are approaching the Human Resource Ministry and Foreign Ministry for all other kind of related assistance in holding international exchanges.”

The idea of establishing such an association has roots in the initiative taken by a young law student, Parul Sharma, of Stockholm University, when she along with her ELSA members successfully conducted the first-ever international law students’ exchange in India. Meeting with Parul Sharma, the coordinator, ELSA India project, brought to fore the importance of such exchanges in contemporary times when the winds of liberalisation and globalisation are sweeping across the globe.

“You cannot remain isolated from what is happening to your discipline and profession in other parts of the world in an era of cyberspace. Such exchanges not only provide exposure to legal education and practices, legal system and dispensation of justice and the rights available to the individual but also provide a fora for knowing, understanding and appreciating the diverse cultures,” says Parul.

Asked as to how the project had materialised, she said: “ To begin with it was a rough journey. The proposal was brushed aside by the PU authorities. However, persistent efforts ultimately resulted in turning the project into a reality in 1998 with the VC giving the green signal in 1997.” In reply to a query, as to why she chose PU for such an exchange, she explained nostalgically. I have roots in Punjab and have always felt an emotional bond with the part of the world. The Law Department at PU is amongst the leading centres for legal education in India as it has an excellent faculty with a provision for higher research in law. The admission is based on an open entrance test to attract the best prospective lawyers and legal academicians. These two factors weighed prominently in the choice of PU for the project.”

Regarding the funding aspect of the ELSA project, she says thankfully the contributions from the sponsors, particularly the Swedish Institute, the Indian Embassy in Sweden, Ministry External Affairs, New Delhi, SAS Sweden and various law firms in Stockholm have made the task smooth one. The entire team of European Law Students’ Association, (ELSA), Stockholm, worked very hard to raise funds and organising the project.”

Explaining the organisation of ELSA, she claimed it is the world’s largest law students and young lawyers’ organisation with a special Status in Economic and Social Council, a primary organ of the UN with a consultative status in UNESCO. Emphasising its non-political and non-commercial nature, she says it has present in more than 190 cities in over 41 countries and has 25,000 members.

Interestingly enough, the idea of founding ELSA occurred to four law students from West Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Poland in 1981, in Vienna. The objective was to create ways of establishing a contact between law students and young working lawyers in Europe and other parts of the world. Denmark and Norway became members in 1983 and Sweden in 1985. ELSA’s sister organisations have come up in North and South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia.

“Last time we had an exchange for the first time outside Europe with Japanese students. They have set up Asian Law Students’ Association with similar objectives. With this we have built up a unique network all over the world to expand the understanding and knowledge of other country’s judicial system and culture.” She explains.

Elaborating on the activities of the association she, explains. “It organises students trainee exchange programme between member countries to give them international experience, a qualification insisted upon by many law firms in Nordic countries and by MNCs. Besides seminars and conferences of a high academic level, ELSA publishes a scientific, international review, a guide to legal studies in Europe which is the most extensive overview of European law faculties.

Further, international moot courts, like ELSA Denmark’s “Jessup Moot Court competition,” the two year international focus programme on a current legal issue and two summer schools, one in Arusha, Tanzania, in cooperation with the “Lawyers Without Frontiers” and the second in Bosnia, Herzegovina, are among other major activities of ELSA.

“Besides, the prestigious ‘Selected Papers on European Law’ written by academicians and researchers, the information packed international newspaper ‘synergy’ is published quarterly, even as most member-countries publish respective national newspapers. In Sweden it is entitled ELSIUS, she says.

As to what happens after an ELSA member ceases to be a student, she says: “Even then one may remain active by becoming a member of ELSA Lawyer Society. Moreover, through it one may uphold the network established is one’s student life.” She is optimistic about a sister organisation coming up at the PU.

CAREER HOTLINE

by Pervin Malhotra

I have graduated in English. I am interested in pursuing a course in journalism. Could you please tell me about the institutes in Delhi offering PG diploma/degree courses in this subject. Also tell me whether this course is offered through correspondence.

— Preeti Arora, Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana

Among the institutes in Delhi, the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU New Campus, New Delhi-110067, is highly reputed and offers a 1-year postgraduate diploma course in journalism. Selection is through an entrance test followed by interview. Your language, comprehension, awareness of current events and command over English language will be assessed.

The Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamic, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, offers a very comprehensive training in Cinema, Television, Journalism, Radio, Editing, Production, Camera, Sound recording, Direction etc. Eligibility is graduation with 50% aggregate. Admission is through an entrance exam followed by an interview. Preference is given to the candidate’s familiarity or work experience in journalism/graphic design/ photography/ cinema/music/ creative writing.

The other institutions include:

* SP College of Communication & Management, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi-110001.

Course: PG Diploma in Journalism (Evening)

* Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (Rohini Kendra).

Course: Master’s programme in Mass Communication, Duration: 1-year. The classes are held at Jagan Institute of Management Studies, C-1/9, West Enclave, Pitampura, Delhi-110034.

* Amity School of Journalism & Communication, Saket, New Delhi.

Course: PG Diploma in Journalism & Communication.

* Centre for Mass Media, New Delhi YMCA, 1, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi-110001.

Course: PG Course in Journalism. Duration: 1-year.

* The Delhi School of Communication, Fr. Agnel School Building, Gautam Nagar, New Delhi-110049.

Course: PG Diploma in Communication. Duration: 2-years.

* Gargi College, Opp. Anand Lok, Siri Fort Road, New Delhi-110049.

Course: PG Diploma in Journalism. Duration: 2-years, part-time.

* International Polytechnic for Women, A-3, NDSE, New Delhi-110049.

Course: Diploma in Journalism. Duration: 1-year.

* Institute of Journalism, A-3, Lajpat Nagar II, New Delhi-110024.

Course: Certificate in Journalism. Duration: 6-months.

* Vivekanand Polytechnic, Teachers Training Institute, C-71, Anand Niketan, New Delhi.

Course: Diploma in Journalism.

* South Delhi Polytechnic for Women, Lajpat Nagar IV, New Delhi-110024.

Course: Diploma in Media Communication. Duration: 1-year; 2-year.

* Centre for Image Management Studies, Image House, D-126, Sector-40, Noida.

Course: PG Diploma in: Advertising, PR, Journalism. Duration: 1-year.

Correspondence Courses:

* Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-110068.

Course: PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication; Diploma in Creative Writing in English.

* Amity School of Journalism & Communication, Saket, New Delhi.

Course: Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC). Eligibility: Graduation with 50% aggregate.

I am a final year student of MA (History). Could you please tell me about the eligibility criteria for appearing in the state level educational testing (SLET) of Punjab.

— Jyoti, Ropar, Punjab

Many states whose educational service commissions recruit lecturers for government colleges and universities in the state hold a state-level eligibility test called the State Level Educational Testing (SLET). The SLET, which is duly accredited by the UGC, is on the pattern of UGC/CSIR-NET. However, those who have cleared the NET are exempted from appearing in the state-level tests.

The basic qualification required for this test is a postgraduate degree (55% agg). Postgraduate students who are appearing in the final year/semester exam are also eligible to sit for the SLET. However, their candidature will be provisional subject to their securing the prescribed minimum marks. The test is aimed at assessing the candidate’s mental ability, general awareness as well as in-depth knowledge of the subject.

Although the minimum requirement for lectureship is an MA with NET/SLET, in reality those with higher qualifications such as M.Phil. and Ph.D. stand a better chance.

For further details, contact your state’s Department of Education.

This is your column. Please feel free to e-mail your comments and suggestions to: caring@theoffice.net

DEADLINE

Armed Forces

The Indian Navy, Directorate of Manpower Planning & Recruitment (R&R), Naval Headquarters, Room No. 204, ‘C’ Wing Sena Bhawan, New Delhi 110011.

* Short Service Commissioned Officers in Technical Branches

Elig: BE/BTech in Telecom, Aeronaut, Avionics, Instru & Control, Elect. Electron, Mech, Prod Engg & Naval Arch.

Age: Born bet 2 Jul ‘75 — 01 Jan ‘81.

Appl Form & Detailed Info: Employment News 11-17 Dec.

Dec 31 The Indian Navy, Directorate of Manpower Planning & Recruitment, R&R Section, Room No. 204, ‘C’ Wing Sena Bhawan, New Delhi 110011.

* Recruitment of Short Service Commissioned Officers in the Law Cadre

Elig: Unmarried Indian males, born bet July 2 73 —July 1 78. A degree in Law (55% agg) from a recognised univ. Physical Standards as specified.

Appln Format: Employment News 11-17 Dec.

Computers

Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302.

* PG Dip in Information Technology (PGDIT)(2 semesters)

Elig: BTech/BE/MCA/MA/MCom (with Maths as a sub at UG level) (60% agg) or equiv, CGPA at the qualifying exam.

Appln Form: Send Rs. 500/- by crossed DD favouring “IIT, Kharagpur” along with a self-addressed envelope (24 x 15cm) to the Asst. Registrar (PG&R), at the above addressed before Jan 15.

Apr 10 Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies & Research (SICSR), Senapati Bapat Rd, Pune-411004. Ph: 5650427

* PG Dip in Computer Management (PGDCM). (2-yrs, F/T).

Elig: Bachelor’s degree (50% agg).

Selection: Scores in ATMA (Feb 20). GD & Interview (23-24 Mar).

Appln Form: Send Rs. 450/- by DD favouring “The Director, Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies & Research” or Rs. 400/- in cash at counter before Feb 18.

Dec 20 Khalsa College for Women, Civil Lines, Ludhiana

PG Dip in Computer Application (PGDCA) (1 yr)

Elig: Female students who have cleared the entrance examination conducted by Panjab Univ, Chandigarh.

Admission: Contact college directly.

Distance Education

Jan 05 Jiwaji University, Institute of Distance Education, Central Library Bldg, Gwalior 474011 (MP)

* Master of Chemicals Sales & Marketing Mgmt (Distance Learning) (2-yrs)

Elig: MSc/BSc with Chem/B Pharma/BSc (Ag) with 2nd Div.

Appln Form: Send Rs. 125/- by crossed DD favouring “Director, IDE” payable at Gwalior to the Director, Instt. of Distance Education, Central Library Building before Dec 25 or Rs. 100/- in cash at counter.

Management

Dec 30 The College of Materials Mgt, F/o Management Studies, The Ridge, Jabalpur 482001

Ph: 0761-321083, 762129, Email: commfom2@bom6.vsnl.net.in

1. MBA (2-yr F/T)

2. PG Diploma in Materials Management (PGDMM) (1-yr)

3. MBA (DLP) (3-yr, Corresp)

Elig: For 1, 2 &3): Bachelor’s Degree.

For 1) Children of Def personnel/war widows/TA/MNS with 10-yrs service through WAT, Bachelor’s degree (50% agg).

Selectn: Gen candidates must apply through MP Mgt. Jt. Entrance Test.

Appln Form: Send Rs. 200/- by DD favouring “CMM Management EDN Fund” to the Director, FOMS, The CMM at the above address.

Jan 31 Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management & Technology, 29, Theatre Rd, Cantonment, Bareilly 243004. Ph: 0581-429203/5

* PG Dip in Business Management (2-yr, F/T).

Elig: Bachelor’s degree.

Selection Procedure: Written test: 20 Feb at 10 centres including Delhi & Chandi; GD Interview.

Appln Form: Send Rs. 550/- by DD favouring “LBS Institute of Management & Technology” payable at Bareilly to Admission Coordinator at the above address or Rs. 500/- in cash at counter.

Management — Telecom

Jan 31 Symbiosis Institute of Telecom Management (SITM), 5th Floor, Atur Centre, Gokhale Cross Rd, 1068 Model Colony, Pune 411016.

Ph: 5674150/5671911, email @vsnl.com

* PG Dip in Telecom Management (PGDTM) (2 yr, F/T)

Elig: Bachelor’s degree in Sc (Phy, Maths, Comp Sc, Electron, Stats, Commerce, Management or Engg (50% agg).

Selection: Entrance Test: Feb 6 at 7 centres including B,lore, Chandi & Delhi; GD & Interview: 16-17 Feb.

Appln Form: Send Rs. 550/- by DD favouring “Director, SITM” along with two self-addressed stickers or Rs. 500/- in cash at counter.

Medicine

Feb 21 Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune 411040.

* MBBS

Elig: Class XII (passed in 1st attempt) with Engg, PCB as subjects (60% agg) in the three science subjects taken together and 50% marks in each of the Sc subjs & Eng. Maths in Class 10. BSc grads, with two of the following subjs: PCB (Bot or Zoo) also elig.

Age Class XII: 17-22 yrs. BSc grads: below 24 yrs.

Written Test: 7 May, 2000 at 34 centres including Ambala, B’lore, Belgaum, Chandi, Delhi. Only selected candidates will be called for interview.

Appln Form: Send Rs. 155/- by DD drawn on any nationalised bank payable at Pune favouring “Commandant, AFMC, Pune” along with two self-addressed slips (9x 5 cm) to reach before 20 Jan. Write your name & add on reverse of DD along with an Appln for obtaining Prosp & Forms giving your particulars, address and enclosing a self-addressed, stamped (Rs. 45/-) envelope (11”x13”).

Forms also available (from 20 Dc till stocks last or 10 Jan, 2000 whichever is earlier) for Rs. 155/- in cash at the following POs:

* Delhi: Gol Dakhkhana 110001, Ambala: HO 133001, Ferozepur: 152001, Pathankot: 145001, Jammu: 180001, Srinagar: HO 190001, B’lore: 560001, Belgaum 590001, Meerut HO: 250001

Detailed Info: Employment News 4-10 Dec.

National Board of Examinations, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029

Email: natboard@ndf.vsnl.net.in. Website: www.natboard.org

* Post Doctoral Fellowship Courses:

Critical Care Med; Transfusion Med, Repro Med; Genetics; Cardiac Anaesth; Minimal Access Surg; Vasc & Endovasc Surg; Neonatology; Vitreo Retinal Diseases; Phonosurg; Interventional Cardio & Electrophysiol; Paediatric Cardiol.

Elig: Diplomate of NB or equiv PG.

Further Info: The Exec Director at the above address.

Jan 28 Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), 17-B, I.P. Estate, New Delhi 110002.

* All India Entrance Exam for Admission to MBBS/BDS, 2000.

Examination: 14 May.

Elig: 10+2 (50% agg) (40% for SC/ST/OBC) in Eng, PCB having passed in Eng.

Age: Above 17 yrs as on 31 Dec., 2000.

Appln Form: Rs. 200/- (Rs. 100/- for SC/ST) in cash at designated branches of Canara Bank.

Self-employment

Department of Industries & Commerce (V.I. Section), G/o Punjab

* Margin Money Scheme for Unemployed Youth.

Projects: Any village industry to be set up in rural areas with a population of 20,000.

Elig Borrower: Rural Artisans/Entrepreneurs (Projects upto Rs. 10 lakhs); Institutions, Coop Soc/Samitis regd with Khadi Board/Commission (projects upto Rs. 25 lakhs).

Further info: Banks; GM, DIC & Distt. Officer of Punjabi Khadi Board; Director, KVIC, SCO No. 3003-04, Sector 22-D, Chandigarh.

CARING (Career Information & Guidance), New Delhi.