GND University seeks more funds
From Ashok Sethi
AMRITSAR: Guru Nanak Dev University here has written to the Punjab Government for a greater grant to meet the deficit in the payment of salaries and the establishment cost. The Vice-Chancellor, Dr Harbhajan Singh Soch, has requested the Finance Secretary to release the grant for overcoming a Rs 10-crore shortfall during the year.

THERE are many proposals for solving the problem of money crunch in colleges and universities. One such proposal is to introduce a price-indexed fee structure. This means that as the prices go up and the costs of higher education increase, there should be an automatic and corresponding enhancement in the fees.

This should be treated as an independent component not related to other charges like the sports fee, cultural fee, magazine fee, student fund and the other annual dues and no prior permission of the UGC or the state or the central governments or local bodies and trusts will have to be sought.

The increase should be effected by a mere resolution of the academic council in which the guiding principle must be the official price index. In deciding this, no populistic preconsiderations should be allowed to prevail.

After some initial hurdles, the system will work and become routine. This will also go a long way towards making the universities free from UGC funds and will help them preserve their autonomous status.

Another proposal is to revive the recommendations of the Punnaiyya Committee (1992-1993) The committee had recommended and upward revision of the fee structure, but the proposal was shelved for political reasons. Now that the expenses of maintaining a college or a university have almost doubled since the implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission awards, the need to revive the Punnaiyya report is being widely felt, though the report had asked only for a one-time fee-hike.

In the South, the idea of self-financing college education was implemented by the state government itself. One does not know that while it was successful in the case of technical education, which has a high employment potential, it may also be successful in general college education.

The states in the North are meditating over an official proposal to levy an educational cess. The idea was floated by the HRD Minister, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi. While this will be a sure device to generate money to finance higher education, it will not be accepted without criticism. A major impediment will be the sensitive issue of rationality of such a levy in a welfare state. If the people are taxed for education separately, there will be a demand to spend a portion of the proceeds on school education.

The All-India Council of Technical Education has come out with a different proposal. It has asked the UGC and the governments concerned to make at least 20 per cent students to bear at least 90 per cent of the cost of their college education. But while this proposal has been successfully implemented in IITs, IIMs and other professional schools which have hiked their fees, it is bound to flop in universities.

The only remedy which seems easy and viable is to raise the fees. As a panacea for the crunch it is already being slowly administered in Delhi University. In other states the Christian institutions have enhanced their annual dues. As this does not affect the grants-in-aid received from the UGC or the government, the practice is being followed by non-minority colleges as well.

The only fear is that the UGC may relate the amount of the grant to the quality of teaching in each institution. This implies that if the performance is below the mark, the colleges may lose their subsidy.

It now seems apparent that public opinion is slowing building up in favour of a fees revolution. Academics who were totally opposed to it seem to have awakened to the hard reality.

In Delhi, which consumes about 60 per cent of the UGC money, the universities have started thinking of revising the fees at least ten times over in phases. Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley has recently set the ball rolling by suggesting that while a student can spend thousands for his/her education in private schools, why can’t he/she be asked to spend at least half of it on his/her college education.

The opinion that all colleges and universities must have the same fee structure must also be demolished. As each college has its own quality, a variation in fee structure must be considered a necessary evil. If the concept of internal resource generation, of which the UGC has been for talking about, is to be taken seriously, then this seems the only solution.

Not long back, the Central Government had decided to exempt from income tax the amount of money donated to institutions of higher learning. The response to the offer is not encouraging. Donations were made for vocational courses on mutually agreed conditions. No one gave money to any college or university for general education where the crunch is faced the most. Under the circumstances the only way out is to hike the fees.

So you want to be a Cricket Umpire. ...Great! Here’s what it takes:

In order to qualify for umpiring, you need to be a keen cricket buff (which I’m sure you are) who has played at the school and college level. That it calls for tremendous dedication and keen interest for the sport goes without saying. In addition, you will need to study the rules of the game - (excellent books are available) and should gain some experience umpiring friendly matches at local clubs, schools, etc. The State Cricket Association conducts a test clearing which will allow you to umpire at the state level matches. After you have acquired some experience at this level, you can appear for the test for umpiring at the Ranji Trophy level. Each state selects 5 candidates to appear for this test which is conducted every 3-5 yrs depending on the requirement. After about 5 yrs of umpiring at the Ranji Trophy level (at least 8 matches), you will have qualified to appear for the all-India level umpiring test which is conducted by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). Reaching the all-India level can take anywhere between 10-12 yrs. Now a word about the tests - each test consists of an objective-type paper which consists of 40-50 questions which you have to answer in 45 mins. This is followed by a 21/4-hr subjective-type paper which consists of 10-12 questions. Beware, the qualifying requirements are tough, to say the least - you must score above 90%. Ready for the challenge?

Sonal, Ambala City

If you are unmarried and below the age of 25, you can apply to be an air hostess. Most airlines prefer graduate or diploma holders in hotel management/catering/travel and tourism. Stamina, physical fitness, a clear complexion, pleasing personality, height (154 cm to 170 cm barefoot), weight (in proportion to height) and normal eyesight are essential. Contact lenses are allowed. While proficiency in English and Hindi is a must, familiarity with a foreign language is desirable. Knowledge of nursing/first aid and overall general awareness are an asset. Most airlines advertise for vacancies specifying the desired educational qualifications, extra-curricular activities and physical criteria. Short-listed candidates are called for a written test and interview. All airlines impart their own training to the air-hostesses after they are appointed.

Bharti Malhotra, Chandigarh

An interior designer’s work is fairly complex. Besides decorating the area assigned to you, you may be called upon to reorganise the space to suit specific requirements which may involve drastic remodelling of the existing arrangement, or even shifting of walls, re-routing of electrical wiring, plumbing etc. As interior designing requires considerable knowledge of the technical and structural aspects involved in architecture, the training generally consists of both theoretical as well as practical elements of the work. One of the best in Interior Designing is offered by the School of Interior Design, Centre for Environmental Planning & Technology (CEPT), University Road, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380009. This 5-year course is open to students who have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths who have secured a minimum of 65% in Class X and 50% in Class XII. Selection is through a written test and an interview. There are many private and government-run institutes and polytechnics that offer courses in this subject. The JJ School of Arts, Mumbai 400001, offers a 3-year specialisation in interior decoration within its 5-year BFA course. The other short-term courses being:

* Exterior-Interiors Pvt. Ltd., with branches at Delhi, Bangalore, Calcutta, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Kochi, offers a comprehensive 1-year course.

* School of Interior Design, (under The Hyderabad Institute of Design), A-7, Banjara Gardens Apts., Banjara Hills, Rd No. 12, Hyderabad 500034. Ph: 3399679. Elig: Aptitude test followed by interview.

* Apeejay Institute of Design, 54, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, M.B. Road, Near Batra Hospital, New Delhi 110062, offers a 4-year advanced diploma in interior design to school-leavers and a 1-year diploma for graduates.

* South Delhi Polytechnic for Women, Lajpat Nagar IV, New Delhi 110024, offers diploma courses for both graduates and those with a pass in Class XII.

* Sir JJ School of Art, Sir DN Road, Mumbai 400001. Eligibility: Class XII.

Interior Decoration is also offered as a subject in BA.

* Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women’s University, Mumbai 400020. Duration: 3 years. Eligibility: Class XII.

* Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science & Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore 641043. Duration: 1-year. Eligibility: Graduation.

* University of Chennai, Chennai 600005. Duration: 1-year. Eligibility: Graduation.

Pharmaceutical Science deals with the development and preparation of drugs which can be used in the prevention and cure of diseases. A pharmacist works in research laboratories to develop new drugs from natural and synthetic sources, reduce the side-effects of the drugs sold in the market and ensure the quality of existing formulations.

A degree in Pharmacy (BPharm) is a 4-year course which is open to students who have passed Class XII or equivalent examination with physics, chemistry and biology or maths. Eligibility for the MPharm programme is a BPharm degree. However, diploma courses in Pharmacy that are usually of 2-year duration may be taken up after completing Class X.

To become a qualified pharmacist, a 2-year diploma in pharmacy is the prime requisite. While a diploma-holder can work as a pharmacist in hospitals or as a pharmacy technician, BPharm or MPharm degree-holders can apply for jobs in the pharmaceutical industry. Although there are not too many research openings in India, those with doctoral and post-doctoral qualifications in pharmacy find challenging avenues in R & D labs abroad. Apart from the drug manufacturing industry, pharmacists are also employed in the chemical industry, food and drug control organisations and hospitals as well. Teaching could be another option after a Master’s degree.

Pharmacy graduates are also appointed as drug inspectors and government analysts. A large number of those who do pharmacy go on to become medical sales representatives. A pharmacist can also serve as a consultant to a physician advising him on the dosage schedules and possible side effects of the various drugs. Of course if you are enterprising, you can open your own chemist shop or even go into manufacture of drugs. In a drug store a pharmacist may buy and sell drugs across the counter and control inventory.

With liberalisation policies in vogue, the international market is growing by leaps and bounds. Many foreign pharmaceutical companies are making investments in India. Also, drugs manufactured by Indian pharmaceutical companies have found acceptance in the international market.

However, in order to open a medical store, one has to be registered with the respective state pharmacy council and with the Drug Control Office. If you want to set up your own manufacturing unit, a Master’s degree (MPharma) is required. Also, for wholesale selling of medicines, one needs to be a graduate with at least a year’s experience in the same field.

You could choose from the following courses:

* University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014. Courses: BPharm and MPharm.

* Government Medical College (Baba Farid University of Health Sciences), Patiala 147001. Course: DPharm.

* Central Polytechnic, Sector - 26, Chandigarh. Course: DPharm.

Of late, I have been receiving several letters containing queries directly at my office. Since most of them are unaddressed, there’s no way I can answer them separately. I would appreciate it if you could mail your queries to The Tribune instead.

Aug 14 Mahatma Gandhi AIS Coaching Institute, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119.

* Coaching for Bank Probationary Officers Exam

Enrollment: Remit Rs. 1500/- (Rs. 350/- for SC/ST) by DD favouring "Registrar, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra).

Aug 04 Amity Resource Centre for Information Technology, Amity Campus, Sector 44, Noida 201303

Website: www.amity.edu

* BIT (MAHE)

Elig: 10+2

Appln F: Send Rs. 400/- by DD favouring "Amity Resource Centre for Information Technology" to the above add. Can also be downloaded from website.

Haryana State Electronics Dev. Corpn Ltd., (Affi to Kurukshetra University), SCO: 111-113, Sector 17-B, Chandigarh

www.hartron.org

1. PG Dip in Comp Maint & Networking (PGDCMN) (1 yr)

2. PGDCA (1 yr)

3. BCA (3 yr)

4. Cert in Comp Appl (1 yr)

Elig: (1) & (2): Bachelor’s degree

(2) & (3): 10+2

Appln F: Contact the above add.

Aug 15 Punjab University, D/o Corresp Studies, Chandigarh 160014.

1. BA/BCom (Part I, II & III)

2. MA (I & II) (Eng, Hin, Punj, Pol Sc, Eco, Hist & Public Admin)

3. Master of Finance & Control (Part I & II)

4. PG Dip

Health, Family Welfare & Popul Educn

5. Dip in Stats

Appln F: Send Rs. 175/- by DD favouring "Registrar, PU, Chandigarh" payable at SBI, Sec-14, Chandi. Also at counter: Rs. 150/- cash or from:

1) DAV Sr. Sec Sch, Daryaganj, Delhi

2) Punj Asscn, Lajpat Rai Bhawan, 170-172, Peters Rd, Royapattah, Chennai,

3) Doaba Coll, Jalandhar 144004,

4) SD Coll, Ambala Cantt

5) PU Extn Library Ludhiana &

6) VVBIS & IS (PO) Sadhu Ashram, Hoshiarpur.

Sept 15 Engineering College, Raipur 492010 (MP)

* ME

Civil (Water Res Devp & Irrig)

Mech (Energy Sys & Pollution)

Chem (Chem Process Des)

Elig:

a) BE/BTech in rel discipline (55%)

b) GATE Scores for non-sponsored students

c) Sponsored students with 2 yr work ex preferred.

Appln F: Send Rs. 40/- by crossed DD favouring "Principal, Govt. Engineering College, Raipur". Also at counter: Rs. 30/- cash.

University of Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, U.P.

BE/BArch 2001

Elig: 10+2 with Math, Phy, Chem/Geol.

Selectn: 2-stage entrance exam: Dec 29, 2000 & May 9 & 10, 2001.

Appln F: Lookout in leading national dailies in Aug.

Aug 11 Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh 160012.

ME

1. Civil (Highways; structures; Irrig & Hydraulics) (FT/PT)

2. Mech (Rotodynamic Machines) (FT/PT)

3. Electl (Power Sys) (FT/PT)

4. Electron (FT)

5. Electron Product Des & Tech) (FT)

6. Indstl Materials & Metallurgy (FT/PT)

7. Environ Engg (Inter-Dis) (FT)

8. Info Tech (FT)

9. Computer Integr Mfg (FT/PT)

Elig: BE of Punj U (50%) or equiv OR Sec A&B of AMIE/IETE (50%) with 5 yrs res/proff exp.

Test: For AIME/IETE students: Aug 16.

Appln F: Send Rs. 100/- by MO favouring "Principal, Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh 160012". Also counter, Rs. 80/- cash.

Aug 21 Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Room No. 422, B-21, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110016.

www.edu.com

Cert Course in Export Marketing (Eve)

Elig: Bachelor’s degree with 2 yrs work ex at exec level.

Appln F: Send Rs. 250/- by DD favouring "Indian Institute of Foreign Trade" at the above add.

Aug 11 Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar 125001 (HP)

Ph: 01662-28409/05

MBA (3 yr) (Eve-P/T)

Elig: Bachelor’s degree, 1 yr work ex at supervisory level.

Test: Aug 31

Appln F: Send Rs. 475/- by DD favouring "Registrar, GJU, Hisar" payable at Hisar. At counter: Rs. 450/- cash.

Aug 10 National Institute of Ayurveda, (GoI), Madhav Vilas Palace, Amer Rd, Jaipur-302002.

Ph: 635709, 635744

Pre-Ayurveda Test

For admission to BAMS (3-yrs)

Elig: 10+2 (PCB).

Appl F: Send Rs. 170/- by DD favouring "Convenor PAT/PHT-2000" to the above add.

Aug 25 National Open School, B-31 B, Kailash Colony, New Delhi 110048.

Foundation, Secondary & Sr Secondary Courses

Appln F: Rs. 25/- in cash at counter. Also available at Study Centres and select branches of Indian Bank in New Delhi.

Regional Centre: YMCA Complex, Sector-11C, Chandigarh.

Aug 29 Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025.

1. MBA

2. BE

Civi, Elect, Mech, Electron & Comm

3. Diploma in Engg

Civil, Elect, Mech, Electron, Comp Engg.

Appln F: Send Rs. 100/- by DD favouring "Registrar, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-25" with a self-addressed, stamped (Rs. 32/-) envelope (7" x 10"). Also at counter.

Sep 01 Rhodes Scholarships (India), C/o ICGEB, P.O. Box No. 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067.

http://rhodes.indiaserver.com, http://www.icgeb.res.in/-rhodes

Rhodes Scholarships India - 2001, Univ of Oxford (UK).

Duration: 2 yrs.

Elig: Hon Degree (1st Div) in Pure or Appl Sc/Hum/Law/ Med with interest and achievements in extra-curricular i.e. such as sports, theatre & community work.

Age: 19-25 yrs on 1 Oct., 2001.

Appln F: Send self-addressed, stamped (Rs. 4/-) envelope (10 cm x 23 cm), to the Secretary at above add.

Office of the Director of Higher Educn, Haryana-Chandigarh

Scholarships under various schemes:

For students of Matric/10+2, BA, BSc, BCom etc.

Appln F: Free from Haryana School Education Board, Bhiwani/concerned institutions/universities.

Aug 11 College of Vocational Studies (Univ of Delhi), Triveni, Sheikh Sarai-II, New Delhi 110017.

Ph: 6438544

1. PG Dip in Tourism (P/T) (2-yr)

2. PG Dip in Book Publishing (P/T) (2-yr)

Elig: Bachelor’s degree.

Appln F: Contact CVS.

Aug 10 Industrial Training Institute (D/o Technical Educn), Sector 28, Chandigarh.

Cutting & Tailoring (1 yr)

Elig: Middle pass, preferred Matric pass.

Admission: Students to appear on Aug 14 with original certs.

Appln F: Send Rs. 50/- by MO. At counter: Rs. 30/- cash.

Unless otherwise specified, the dates mentioned above are deadlines for receipt of completed application forms.

CARING (Career Information & Guidance), New Delhi

AMRITSAR: Guru Nanak Dev University here has written to the Punjab Government for a greater grant to meet the deficit in the payment of salaries and the establishment cost. The Vice-Chancellor, Dr Harbhajan Singh Soch, has requested the Finance Secretary to release the grant for overcoming a Rs 10-crore shortfall during the year.

The entire salary bill of the university stands at Rs 27 crore while the government has made available only Rs 17.86 crore, which is woefully low.

He has also sought the help of the government to provide funds for projects concerning research and for adding new infrastructure.

A spiritual heritage centre will be soon established for which the university has been provided all possible help by the SGPC and the Buddhist Centre at Sarnath.

The university has introduced more than 13 vocational courses during this current academic session. These include jewellery designing, computer-courses, physiotherapy and medical transcription.

For a regional campus on a sprawling stretch of 28 acres has been set up at Gurdaspur to provide vocational education to the people of this backward district. A five-year law and MBA courses have already been started there.

The university has also established another university college at Niari village in the Dhar Kalan block of Gurdaspur district. A large number of P G courses have been introduced in the university campus at Jalandhar from this academic session.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the university in the past few years has increased its income by nearly three times and has set an example for other universities.