The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Project to check teacher absenteeism
By V.P. Prabhakar

TEACHER absenteeism is considered a major obstacle in achieving the goal of universalisation of elementary education (UEE). It is realised that a primary school in a remote village with a non-resident teacher often tends to become dysfunctional and both parents and children fail to relate to such an institution, leading to a high dropout rate.

This problem has been solved to a greater extent by the Shiksha Karmi Project (SKP) which is being implemented in the socio-economically backward villages of Rajasthan with primary attention to girls.

Under the SKP, regular teachers are replaced by local teachers who are less qualified but specially trained. A shiksha karmi (SK) is a local man with the minimum qualification in case of a man being Class VIII and woman Class V. To overcome the problem, shiksha karmis are given intensive training through induction programme as well as periodic refresher courses. The project is being implemented by the Government of Rajasthan through the Rajasthan Shiksha Karmi Board (RSKB) with assistance from voluntary agencies.

Non-Government organisation (NGOs) and the community, according to the annual report of the Department of Education, Government of India, play a pivotal role in the implementation of the SKP. The village education committees (VECs) have contributed to the improvement of school environment, augmentation of infrastructure and facilities, larger enrolment of children through school mapping and micro-planning in shiksha karmis schools.

Enrolment of girls, their attendance and retention in primary schools is one of the serious challenges in achieving UEE in Rajasthan. The SKP aims at addressing these through decentralised initiatives involving the community. At the grassroots level, panchayat samitis, shiksha karmi sahyogis, subject specialists of NGOs, shiksha karmis and the village community constantly interact with other to achieve the aims of the project.

Prehar pathshalas (PPs) (school with convenient timings), under the SKP provide educational programmes for out-of-school children who cannot attend regular school due to pre-occupation at home. In PPs, condensed formal school curriculum and learning materials are followed. At present 22,359 girls, who constitute 71 per cent of learners in PPs, are benefiting from this facility.

Under the innovative and experimental activities, angan pathshalas have proved effective in attracting girls to primary schools. Mahila sahyogis have confirmed their utility in motivating girls to attend school PPs in remote areas. Integration of children with partial disabilities into day schools and PPs have been attempted on a pilot basis.

There is also an in-built monitoring process at the village, block, headquarter and state levels. There is a provision of joint biannual reviews by the international agency concerned, the Government of India and the Rajasthan Government and independent evaluation by teams consisting of national and international experts.

Experts studies, according to the annual report of the Central Government, have revealed that academic attainment of primary school children in SKP area are generally better than neighbouring schools managed by panchayati raj institutions.

The SKP has emerged as a unique instrument of human resource development. It has enabled rural youth, with inherent talent and potential, to blossom into confident para-professionals with self-respect and dignity. There has been a six-fold increase in the enrolment of children in schools taken over by the project. A significant number of children covered by SK schools are from among Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes.

The project now covers 2715 villages in 146 blocks of 32 districts and 6,285 shiksha karmis provide primary education to 2.16 lakh children in day schools and prehar pathshalas (PPs). There are 2715 day schools and 4829 PPs. The experience of SKP demonstrates that the motivation of shiksha karmis working in difficult conditions can be sustained over a longer period of time by recurrent and effective training, sensitive nurturing, community support, regular participatory review and problem solving.

During the first phase of SKP (1987-1994), an amount of Rs 21.12 crore was spent which was shared between Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and Government of Rajasthan on a 90:10 basis. In the second phase of SKP (July 1994-June 1998), a total expenditure of Rs 72.21 crore was incurred on the project which was shared between SIDA and the Rajasthan Government on 50:50 basis.

After an evaluation of the project, the Department for international development of the United Kingdom has agreed to share the cost of phase-III of the project on 50:50 basis with the Rajasthan Government with effect from July 1999. Phase-III of SKP will continue till March 2003, and as per terms and conditions of the agreement, an expenditure of Rs 240 crore would be incurred during phase-III. By the end of phase III of the project, it has been proposed to cover 4100 villages/day schools, 7335 prehar pathshalas, 121 upper primary schools covering all districts of Rajasthan with an expected enrolment of 3,24,345 students.

CAREER HOTLINE

I am interested in the field of environment. Please tell me about the Indian Forest Service and the eligibility requirements.

— Preet Seghal, Patiala

If you are fond of the outdoors and interested in protecting our environment and wildlife, the Indian Forest Service offers excellent opportunities.

The IFS officer’s job involves both desk work as well as extensive field monitoring and is concerned with the management, maintenance and protection of forests, afforestation, revenue collection, etc.

To be eligible for this service, you have to appear for the Indian Forest Service Examination, which is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This competitive exam consists of:

* Written Exam with two compulsory subjects: General English and General Knowledge (150 marks each) and two optional subjects (200 marks each).

You can choose two optional papers from the following subjects:

Agriculture, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Statistics, Forestry, Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. However, some subject combinations are not allowed i.e.:

* Agriculture & Agricultural Engineering

* Chemistry & Chemical Engineering

* Mathematics & Statistics

* Personality Test (150 marks).

The Personality Test is followed by a Medical and Endurance Test. To clear the latter, selected male candidates are required to complete a 25-km walk in four hours and females to cover a distance of 15 km in the same time.

The IFS exam is open to science and engineering graduates. The minimum educational qualification is a Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Zoology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Geology or a recognised Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry or Engineering. You should be below 28 years on 1 July of the year of the exam (relaxable for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen). Men should be above 163 cm and women 150 cm in height (relaxable for ST).

As in the Civil Services exam, you are permitted four attempts.

Selected candidates undergo training for two years at the Indra Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehra Dun. Further training is given for another four months at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie. On successful completion of training, a Diploma of Associateship of the Indian Forest Research Institute is awarded. Successful candidates are recruited at the junior grade of the IFS at the pay scale of Rs 8,000-15,000 p m.

If you are interested in joining the State Forest Services, you must take the state-level exams conducted by the respective State Selection Boards.

In Himachal Pradesh, women are now eligible for recruitment as forest guards. Andhra Pradesh is following close on its heels. The state government has given the nod for appointing 200 women out of the total 600 posts.

For further information about the Indian Forest Service Exam conducted by the UPSC, you may contact:

* The Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, New Delhi 110011.

Doll making has been my favourite hobby. Is there any way I can turn it into a profession?

— Kanwaljeet Kaur

Although, doll making is being taught in many craft courses, the Accessory Design Department of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) offers a comprehensive 3-year course in Toy Designing. To get in, you need 10+2 in any stream.

There’s an entrance test comprising of an IQ section (English & Maths) and a Creative Ability section. (visualising and drawing skills) a workshop to assess creative and constructive abilities followed by a final interview. The fee for the course is somewhat stiff — in the region of Rs. 2.5 lakh. The course lays more stress on practical aspects like visualisation, sketching, designing and working in 3D format than on theoretical aspects.

There’s an increasing demand for imaginative toys that are soft, safe, durable and well designed. Toys are also being increasingly used as educational instruments.

I belong to the armed forces and possess a PG diploma in IRPM along with a diploma in Labour Laws & Administrative Law. I would like to do a PG diploma in Labour Laws through distance education. Please suggest me some recognized courses.

— Satnam Singh, Hoshiarpur

The following universities offer a postgraduate diploma in Labour Laws through correspondence:

* Kota Open University, Kota 324010. Duration: 1-3 yrs. Eligibility: Postgraduates, LLB or graduates with 3-yr standing or non-graduates with 6 yrs standing. Age: 25 yrs

* Alagappa University, Directorate of Distance Education, Karaikudi 623003. Course: Personnel Management & Labour Laws. Duration: 1-yr. Eligibility: Graduation.

I am a non-matriculate. Please tell me if I could join the Indian Coast Guard.

— Ajay Vashisht, Bathinda

The Indian Coast Guard is an Armed Force of the Indian Union. It recruits non-matriculate males as Naviks in the Domestic Branch. Eligibility is a pass in Class VIII with 55% agg (45% for SC/ST). The age requirement is 17-22 yrs (relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST, and 3 yrs for OBC). You are also required to meet certain physical standards. Selection is through a written test/interview. For further information, you may contact:

* Director (Training), Recruitment Cell, Coast Guard Headquarters, National Stadium Complex, New Delhi 110001.

I think I’ll be good at public relations as I love talking to people. I have heard that PR is a glamorous field. Is it true?

— Saket Seth, Gurdaspur

It’s very important to test our images of certain professions that we may have gleaned from hearsay or the media before we get too far down the road. Sometimes these glorified notions may not correspond to reality. While PR may appear glamorous from the outside, it requires a great deal of hard work and persistence. Also good writing skills.

One good way to find out what working in Public Relations really involves is to talk to practising professionals who do this work for a living.

You will be amazed at how willing people are to share information and insights about their jobs with someone who is genuinely interested in knowing about their field. Just make sure they know you are seeking information and inspiration, not a job here and now.

Be prepared: what you find out may turn you on, or even turn you off. It may also make you reconsider, or redefine your game-plan. But most importantly, it will give you the vital information you need to plan your next move.

Of late, I’ve been deluged with hundreds of queries (mainly unaddressed) sent directly to my office. As much as I would like to, you will appreciate that I can’t possibly accommodate them all in my columns or reply to each one personally.

DEADLINE

Armed Forces

Military Schools Admin Sep 20 Military Schools Common Entrance Test.

* For admission to class VI

Elig: Class V (Pass). Age: 10-12 yrs on Jul 1, 2001.

Appln F: Send Rs. 100/- (SC/ST: Rs. 25/-) by DD favouring “Principal” of any following schools:

(1) Chail Military School, Chail (Shimla Hills), Solan 173217 (H.P.).

(2) Ajmer Military School, Ajmer 305001 (Raj.)

(3) Belgaum Military School, Belgaum 590001 (Kar)

(4) Dholpur Military School, Dholpur 328028 (Raj.)

(5) Bangalore Military School, Museum Rd, PO Box No. 2500, B’lore- 560025 (Kar).

Computer Sc & Engg.

Aug 31 Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar * Common Entrance Examination BTech in Comp Sc & Engg.

Elig: Males, 10+2 PCM (50%) (SC/ST: 45%)/Dip holders (60%) (SC/ST: 55%). Age: 17-20 yrs on Oct 1 2000

Test: Sep 17.

Appln F: Send Rs. 140/- (Rs. 340/- for NRI/NRI Spon) by DD favouring “Registrar, GKV” drawn on `-`PNB/SBI payable at Haridwar by Aug 22. Also in cash at counter till Aug 31.

Aug 30 University of Rajasthan, Gandhi Nagar, Jaipur-302004. * Central Entrance Exam (CEE-2000):

1. MCA (FT)

2. MCA (PT)

3. PGDCA

Elig:

1) UG/PG (50%) (SC/ST: Pass marks)

2) Same as above, with 4-yrs work ex in Govt/Autonomous/PSU posted at Jaipur.

3) Bachelors/Masters (48%) (SC/ST/PH: pass marks & 43% resp in graduation). CEE: Sept 17.

Appln F: Send Rs. 150/- by DD favouring “Convener, Central Entrance Examination, University of Rajasthan” payable at Jaipur to the Convener, CEE’s Office, New Physics Bldg, D/o Physics, at the above address. At counter Rs. 125/- in cash. Separate Appl Form for MCA, PGDCA

Aug 26 Centre for Information & Tech in Tool Engg & Comp Application (An Indo Danish Proj, G/o NCT of Delhi), HTVTC Bldg, Maa Anand Mai Marg, Okhla Indl Area, Phase II, New Delhi 110020. * Advance Dip in Comp Aided Tool Engg (I-DEAS Software) (48-wks)

Elig: BE/Dip in Mech; Prod Engg; Tool & Die Making.

Appln F: At counter: DD/Cash Rs. 150/- (SC/ST: Rs. 37.50). Also at TRTC, Wazirpur Indl. Area, Delhi 52 (Ph: 7242618).

Education - CSIR NET

Sep 01 Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), CSIR Complex, NPL Campus, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110012.

* National Eligibility Test, NET (Joint CSIR-UGC Test for Junior Research Fellowship and Eligibility for Lectureship).

Test: 31 Dec, 2000.

Elig:

* PG degree in Chemical Sc/Earth, Atmospheric Ocean & Planetary Sc/Life Sc/Mathematical Sc/Physical Sc (55% agg) (50% for SC/ST).

* Final yr studies of MSc/equiv also elig.

Age:

* JRF: 19-28 yrs on 1 Jul 2000 (5 yrs relaxable for SC/ST/PH, 3 yrs for females/OBC).

* Lectureship: No upper limit.

Test Centres: at 20 selected centres all over India.

Appln F & Details: See Employment News 12-18 Aug.

Management

Dec 05 T.A. Pai Management Instt. (TAPMI), Manipal 576119. (Kar).

E-mail:

admissions@mail.tapmi.org / chowdarip@mail.tapmi.org

(i) Postgraduate Diploma in Mgt (PGDM) (ii) Postgraduate Diploma in Mgt - Family Business (PGDM - FB)

Elig: (i) & (ii): Bachelor’s degree (50%) & CAT Scores.

Selectn: GD & Interview for short listed candidates.

Prosp & Appln F: Send DD for Rs. 800/- (SC/ST: Rs. 500/-) favouring “T. A. Pai Management Instt.” payable at Manipal/Udupi at the above address.

Also at selected SBI branches selling CAT Forms.

Oct 10 Common Admission Test (CAT) for IIMs.

1. Postgraduate Programmes in Management (PGP)

2. Fellow Programme in Management (Equiv to PhD)

Elig: Bachelor’s degree (3 yrs).

CAT: Dec 10 at 20 centres.

Appln F & Info Bulletin: Available in selected branches of SBI for Rs. 900/- (Rs. 450/- for SC/ST) till 25 Sept.

Dec 01 Indian Instt. of Management, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad-380015. http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/fpm

* Fellow Programmes in Management (FPM) 2001-2002: Areas: Agri/Bus Policy/Eco/Finance & Accounting/Info Systems/Mktg/Org Beh/Personnel & Industrial Relations/Production & Quant Methods/Public Syst.

Elig: 1) PG (55%)/BE/BTech (60%) + 2-yrs work ex.

2) Score in CAT Dec 2000.

Selectn: Candidates selected on the basis of CAT Scores will be called for interview.

Appln F: Send DD (Rs. 100/-) favouring “Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad” payable at Ahmedabad with self-add slip to Programmes Officer, FPM Office, at above add.

Management — Distance Education

Sep 14 Annamalai University, D/o Distance Education, Annamalainagar 608002. * MBA (3-yr)

Elig: Bachelor’s degree, work ex preferred.

Selectn: Spot selection for entrance test at Study Centres & above add.

Appln F: Send Rs. 280/- by DD favouring “Director, Directorate of Distance Education, Annamalai University Annamalainagar-608002” to the above address. At counter Rs. 250/- (cash) and N Delhi Study Centre Ph: 6087638, before Sept 7.

Oct 01 Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi 110068.

* MBA (Banking & Finance)

Elig: Bachelor’s degree, passed CAIIB exam, 2 yrs work exp in banking or financial services sector, membership of CAIIB, Mumbai.

Prosp & Appln F: Send Rs. 350/- by DD/IPO favouring “IGNOU” payable at New Delhi to the Director, SR & E Div, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi 110068 or the Director (Academic), IIB, 192, Maker Tower ‘F’, 19th Floor, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400005 before Sep 10. Also at counter Rs. 300/- cash and IGNOU Regional Centres.

Paramedical

Sep 07 Panna Dai School of Nursing, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, Harinagar, New Delhi. * General Nursing & Midwifery Course (3 yrs)

Elig: Unmarried/widows, 10+2 (50%) (SC/ST: 45%). PCB candidates preferred.

Age: 17 - 22 yrs (SC/ST: 27 yrs) as on 1 Oct 2000.

Appln F: Send DD for Rs. 50/- favouring “Medical Superintendent, Deen Dayal upadhyay Hospital, New Delhi at above add. At counter : Rs. 50/- (DD).

Scholarships

Sep 15 Shastri Indo-Canadian Instt., 5, Bhai Vir Singh Marg, New Delhi 110001. (1) Fellowships for Canada, 2001-2002

(a) Canadian Studies Faculty Res (5-wk)

(b) Faculty Enrichment (5-wk)

(2) Fellowships for

(a) Dvpt Studies in Social Sc & Humanities (4-mth)

(b) Women & Dev

(i) Faculty Res (4-mth)

(ii) Doctoral Res (8-mth)

(iii) Pilot Project Award (2-mth)

(iv) Visiting Lecturership (3-wk)

Elig: University News Jul 31.

Appln F: Send self-addressed, stamped (Rs. 45/-), envelope (26 x 30 cm) superscribing category of fellowship to the above add.

Sep 15 Indian Instt. of Science (IISc), Bangalore 560012.

* IISc Young Fellowships.

Elig:

* Toppers in PUC/Class XII with Maths (top 20 rank-holder of PU Board/Univ Exam/equiv).

* If you have decided to take up a BSc/Integrated MSc Programme in any branch of Science, I.e. Phy, Chem, Maths & Biol in any coll/univ of your choice.

* (relaxation for SC/ST) Provisions:

* IISc will contribute partially towards your tuition fees and purchase of books.

* You will be invited to spend one month in May-June every yr in the IISc research labs.

Appln F: Send your Appln on plain paper (preferably typed) with proof of your rank and endorsement from the Principal of the Institution where you have studied, to the Asstt Registrar (Academic), superscribing the envelope “IISc Young Fellowship Programme”.

Science Olympiad

Sep 11 Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Educn & Indian Association of Physics Teachers.

Email: rdharkar@vsnl.com * National Standard Examination (NSE): in PCB (leading to participation in International Olympiads).

Exam: Nov 26 at Homi Bhabha Centre for Sc Educn.

Elig: Class XII & XII Sc.

Registration: Contact/write to: Prof. R. M. Dharkar, 1/22, Devendu, Mith Bunder Rd, Thane (East) 400063 along with self-addressed, stamped (Rs. 6/-) envelope (18 x 22cm).

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

— CARING (Career Information & Guidance), New Delhi.