DEADLINE

WILL the move on reallocation of colleges to the three universities in the state—P.U., GNDU and Punjabi University—have ramifications at the educational as well as political level?

Reports say on the face of it, proximity has been shown as the basis of mooting this proposal. But the fact is that in the politics of PU, the effective representation of two districts had become a headache for the present government. And to do away with it for all time to come, this arrangement has been contemplated.

Surprisingly, no student union ever raised such a demand or grumbled about any inconvenience caused by the so-called distantly located university headquarters. Rather, they not only feel emotionally attached to PU, but are proud of belonging to it.

Under the new plan of reaffiliation of all colleges in the region of Chandigarh Ludhiana, Ropar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr and Moga shall be with Panjab University while Punjabi University shall have with it colleges falling in the area of Patiala, Bathinda, Sangrur, Faridkot, Muktsar and Mansa. And colleges falling in the region of Amritsar, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Gurdaspur and Ferozepore shall be controlled by GNDU.

The idea behind this move is that colleges should be affiliated to universities situated nearest them. Taking into account a district as a unit, the jurisdiction of universities has to be demarcated afresh based on the principle of contiguity. It was at a meeting of the State Council of Higher Education that the idea was floated by Master Mohan Lal, Minister for Higher Education Immediately, a committee was constituted to deliberate on the issue.

Now that the committee consisting of three Deans of College Development Councils Dr. S.P. Singh (GNDU), Dr Deepak Manmohan Singh (PU) and Dr Janak Raj Gupta (Punjabi University) and Mr S.P. Dhawan, Deputy Director (Colleges), Punjab, and headed by Mr Gulzar Singh, DPI (Colleges), Punjab, have referred its recommendations to the State Council for Higher Education for consideration and final approval by the Punjab Government, the following questions need to be answered (a) what will be the status of the Regional Centre, Muktsar which at present is controlled by PU b) what will be the fate of three senators of PU who represent three different constituencies of Ferozepore c) Will GNDU nominate them on its decision-making bodies such as Syndicate or Senate d) will PU hold fresh elections to fill the seats to be vacated by three senators from Ferozepore in order to maintain its present strength.

Dr A.C. Vaid, Principal, S.D. Postgraduate College, Sector 32, Mr P.S. Sangha, Principal, SGGS College, Sector 26 and Mr Charanjit Chawla, fellow and Syndic of PU and general secretary of PCCTU have all welcomed the move, saying that the proposed arrangement will not only resolve the inconvenience to students and their parents but also save the university of wasteful expenditure incurred on inspections of affiliated colleges situated far away from the university headquarters.

Now the universities will be able to have an effective control on the colleges affiliated to them.

"But this is not a complete solution" opines Principal Sangha, "as Chandigarh being the seat of government, both Punjabi University and GNDU shall have to approach it for release of grants, scholarships and settling other academic and financial matters which have to be taken up at the government level. Even the Director, Public Instruction (Colleges), Punjab, who is a party to the proposed decision, has his headquarters in Chandigarh.

Prof Charanjit Chawla says: "The negative part of reaffiliation and redrawing the jurisdiction of areas would focus problem with regard to membership of the supreme body of PU — the Senate to which the elections were held in September last for a term of four years. Under the PU Act, 1947, this is a decision making body.

"With the shifting of Ferozepore district to GNDU the three elected members of the PU Senate from the district shall have to vacate their seats which they have recently won from the Heads of the Arts Affiliated Colleges. Heads of Technical and Professional Colleges of the PU, as three is no provision in the calendar of GNDU to include these members on its Senate.

"As such, Principal HR Gandhar of DAV College, Abohar (who is at present an honorary Director of PU Regional Centre, Muktsar), Principal (Dr) Jagdish Kaur of Dev Samaj College of Education for Women, Ferozepur City and Dr Shashi Kala, Lecturer, DAV College of Education, Abohar, will cease to be the members of the PU Senate."

Principal P.S. Sangha and Dr A.C. Vaid are of the opinion that the three seats to be vacated from Ferozepore must be immediately filled through fresh election as per the provisions in the PU Calendar from its new territorial jurisdictions after the decision comes into force. In response to a question, both of them say that under the proposed arrangement, PU’s Regional Centre, Muktsar, should automatically go to Punjabi university, Patiala, as it cannot be kept out when the district is considered as a unit.

Principal H.R. Gandhar, Honorary Director of Regional Centre, Muktsar does not relish the change, saying that these days through the internet even universities located in other countries can serve their students, it should not be difficult for universities in Punjab to serve their students in this way. Besides, if the Punjab School Education Board can deliver goods single-handed not only in Punjab but other states also why is it difficult for the universities to do so with a limited jurisdiction. He said there are number of other priority areas for doing a lot more for the students and raising academic standards. Redrawing jurisdictions of the universities is absolutely unwarranted.

In the meanwhile, faculty working in the Regional Centre, Muktsar, held a meeting on January 17 and expressed reluctance at being dissociated from PU. They said they joined PU as their coveted choice and would not like to be forcibly driven out. Those who are from other universities like Benaras Hindu University and Aligarh Muslim University said that the proposed arrangement would make them ineligible because passing out Punjabi as a subject is compulsory in Punjabi University.

They question: how will the Punjab Government bear the total financial burden of Regional Centre alone whereas the financial requirements are met with through the general budget of PU towards which the Chandigarh U.T. Administration makes a contribution.

They can argue that the principle of proximity does not hold good especially in case of the Regional Centre because Patiala and Chandigarh are equi-distant (230 km) from Muktsar.

They suggest that since this Regional Centre has no permanent structure of its own, except staff, it can easily be shifted to any other place like Moga or Ludhiana within the territorial jurisdiction of PU.

With the proposed change of hands, Punjabi University, Patiala, shall surrender Ropar to PU for Muktsar and GNDU shall get ‘Ferozepore’ from PU in lieu of Nawanshahr in order to ensure that no university is a loser. However, to keep the scale of justice even, the State Council of Higher Education shall have to ponder over many other related aspects before any conclusion at its meeting to be held shortly to discuss the recommendations by the committee early this month.

For admission to any college of the Oxford University, you are required to take the IELTS and A-level examinations. A minimum score of 7.5 in IELTS and a very high score in A-level, could get you into the desired college. For admission to a college affiliated to Harvard University, you need to take TOEFL, SAT I and SAT II. A high score in these tests, supported by excellent extra-curricular activity, outstanding recommendations and a well written essay, would assist you to enter the Harvard University. Make sure you start preparing for admissions at least 18 months in advance. For further information about Oxford, contact:

British Council Division, British High Commission, 17, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110001.

For more information regarding Harvard University, you may contact:

* United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI), Fulbright House, 12, Hailey Road, New Delhi 110001.

Here’s some great news for you. The Cabinet Committee on Security has decided to allow induction of women officers into all branches of the Navy. This includes engineering, electrical and all branches of the executive cadre. However, it is not yet clear whether this includes the flying and submarine wings of the Navy as well.

So far, lady officers were only permitted to seek Short Service Commission of seven years in the education, logistics, legal and air traffic control (ATC) branches of the Navy.

The Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, Jaipur, is an autonomous body established by the Government of Rajasthan to conduct education, training and research in Craft Design, Craft Management and Craft Technology. The main objective is to produce a cadre of Design-Techno-Managers, for advancing the state-of-the-art in the craft sector on a professional basis. The institute works in close collaboration with the National Institute of Design (NID) and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). For further information, you may contact:

* Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, B-16/A, Bhawani Singh Road, Opp. Nehru Sahakar Bhawan, C-Scheme, Jaipur 302005, Rajasthan. Besides this, several courses are offered by ITIs.

The following universities offer Bachelor’s in Computer Applications (BCA):

*University of Delhi, Delhi 110007

*Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530003, Andhra Pradesh

*Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarshini Hills PO, Kottayam 686560, Kerala

*University of Pune, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411007, Maharashtra Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, offers specialisation in Computer Applications at BA level.

Most of the good professional courses in Insurance are at the PG level. So it may be a good idea to do your B. Com or BBA and opt for these courses later. By the time you graduate, you will have several excellent courses including those offered by leading international institutions to choose from. While insurance is offered as a subject in BA at several universities, the following courses have a stronger insurance component.

*BA in Actuarial Science/ Insurance: Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana; University of Mumbai, M G Road, Fort, Mumbai 40003; University of Delhi, Delhi 110007; Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar 751004; Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal 795003.

*BSc Actuarial Science: Goa University, Sub PO Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa 403203; University of Mumbai, MG Road, Fort, Mumbai 400032.

The only university that offers a BA in Nutrition & Dietetics is the University of Mumbai. BA in Nutrition & Health Education is offered by Delhi University (only for local female students). However, Nutrition forms part of the Bachelor’s in Home Science course that is offered at almost all regular and several agricultural universities. The subject is also offered as a postgraduate specialisation both at the degree and diploma level.

IGNOU offers a Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education after 10+2 and Nutrition for the Community (non-credit course) after 10+2. The fast developing food processing industry in India, spurred by the entry of multinationals, offers ample and well-paying job opportunities. Food processing units, food research labs, wholesalers of edibles, hospitals, large industrial and educational canteens, and hotels provide employment to those with a degree in Home Science and specialisation in Food Technology, Nutrition or Food Services Management. The work mainly involves testing products and recipes prepared according to the directions enlisted on product labels. Dieticians also conduct various experiments to help improve the nutritive value, flavour and general acceptability of the food. Jobs are also available with public undertakings under the Department of Food, including the Food Corporation of India, Modern Food Industries and the North-Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation. Moreover, there is ample scope for self-employment in the form of starting your own venture in the informal sector as an entrepreneur and in running a home catering service.

Teaching is yet another option. With a BEd, you could teach Nutrition & Dietetics at schools that offer Home Science as a subject. However, to teach in a college, you require Master’s in Home Science.

Of the several institutes offering courses in Hotel Management, the best recognised ones are the nineteen institutes accredited to the National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology located at Pusa, New Delhi 110012. Of these, some are situated at Guwahati, Calcutta and Bhubaneswar. Eligibility is a 10+2 in any stream with 50% aggregate, and age to be below 22 years. Admission is through an entrance exam followed by an interview. For further information, you may also contact:

*Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, R.G. Baruah Guest House, Dr. B. Baruah Road, Ulubari, Guwahati 781007. Also, there are several excellent courses both at the degree and diploma levels offered in collaboration with some of the leading Hotel Chains in the country like the Indian Hotels (Taj Group), Aurangabad, WelcomGroup Graduate School of Hotel Management, Manipal, Oberoi Centre for Learning & Development, Delhi, etc. For a comprehensive list of institutes and course details, you could refer to Careers in Hotel Management published by CARING, 24, Feroze Gandhi Road, Lajpat Nagar-III, New Delhi 110024.

DEADLINE

Distance Education

Feb 10 Guru Ghasidas University, Instt. of Distance Education, Bilaspur 495009 (Chhattisgarh).

* (1) BCA (3-yr) * (2) BBA (3-yr) * (3) Bachelor of Journ & Mass Comm (BJMC) (1-yr) * (4) BLibISc (1-yr) * PG Dip (1-yr): * (5) Computer Applications * (6) Business Mgt * (7) Marketing Mgt * (8) Indl. Rel, Labour Welfare & Personnel Management (1-yr) * (9) M Lib I Sc (1-yr)

Elig: (1-2): 10+2

(3 - 8): Bachelor’s degree (9): BLibISc

Appln F: Send Rs. 150/- by DD favouring the "Registrar, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur 495009 (Chattisgarh)" to the Director, Institute of Distance Education at above add. At counter: Rs. 125/- (cash).

Feb 28 Madurai Kamaraj Univ, D/o Distance Educn, Univ Bldgs, Palkalainagar, Madurai 625021.

Email: ddemku@md3.vsnl.net.in

* 1) Info Tech: MCA; MCA Lateral Entry (Direct 2nd yr); BCA (Regular/Open); PGDCA; PG Dip in E-Comm; Dip in Info Tech

* 2) Professional Courses:

MBA; MBM; MLM; MTM; MA (Advt & PR); MA (Journ & Mass Com); MLiSc, BLiSc; BGL.

* 3) Regular Degree Courses:

BA (Hist; Eco; Pol Sc; Social Sc; Eng/Tam Lit); BSc (Maths); BCom; BBA.

4) Postgraduate Courses:

MA (Hist; Eco; Pol Sc; Public Admin; Eng/Tam Lit; Gandhian Thought; Philosophy & Relig; Sociology; MSc (Maths); MCom.

5) MPhil: Tamil; English; Hist; Eco; Commerce; Pol Sc; Public Admin; Labour Studies; Entrepreneurship; Educn; Maths; Gandhian Thought; Sociology Proff Courses: MBA, MBM, MLM, MTM, MA (Advt & Pub Rel/Journ & Mass Com), MLISc, BLISc, BGL.

* 6) Open University System:

Bachelor’s Degree:BA (Hist; Eco; Pol Sc; Social Sc; Eng/Tam Lit); BSc (Maths); BCom; BBA; BCA. Postgraduate Degree: MA (Hist; Eco; Pol Sc; Public Admin; Eng/Tam Lit; Gandhian Thought; Philo & Relig; Sociol; Labour Mgmt); MCom

* 7) PG Diploma:

Mgmt, Journ & Mass Comm, Mktg Mgmt., Personnel Mgmt & Industrial Rel.

* 8) Diploma: Labour Laws & Admin Law, Astrology; Saiva Siddhantha

* 9) Certificate (Lib Sc)

Appln F: Send Rs. 280/- for MBA & MCA, (DLP), Rs. 130/- for MPhil/BCA, Rs. 80/- for rest, by DD favouring the "Director, DDE, Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai 625021" to the above add stating course choice. Also from Programme Officer at study centres.

Mar 26 National Instt. of Foundry & Forge Technology (GoI Society, M/o HRD), Hatia, Ranchi 834003. BTech (4-yr) (Ranchi Univ) Mfg. Engg; Metallurgy & Materials Engg. Advanced Dip (18 mth) Foundry Tech, Forge Tech.

Elig: For (1): 10+2 (PCM & Eng). Age limit: 21 yrs (SC/ST: 26, attach cert) on Oct 1.

For (2): Dip in Met/Mech/Prodn Engg OR BSc (PCM).

Entrance Exam: At Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta, Nagpur & Ranchi.

(1): June 16 (2): June 17.

Info & Appln F: Send (1): Rs. 400/- (SC/ST: Rs. 160/-); (2): Rs. 200/- (SC/ST: Rs. 80/-) favouring "National Instt. of Foundry & Forge Technology" payable at Ranchi with self-addressed, stamped (Rs. 17/-) envelope (28 x 16 cm) to the Chairman, Academic Affairs, at the above address before Mar 12. At counter: by DD till Mar 16.

Feb 28 Instt. of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, 11, R.A. Lines, Dogra Mandir Lane, The Mall, Meerut Cantt 250001. Tel: (0121) 643590 Fax: (0121) 643724 Diploma in Hotel Management (3 yrs)

Elig: 10+2 with Eng.

Test: 28 April.

Appln F: Send Rs. 425/- (SC/ST: Rs. 375/-) by DD favouring "Instt. of Hotel Management & Catering" payable at Meerut. At counter: Rs. 400/- (SC/ST: 350/-) (cash).

Feb 28 Northern Instt. for Integrated Learning In Management, B-II/66, S. S. Marg, Mathura Rd, New Delhi 110 044. Website: www.niilm.com PG Programme in Business Management Elig: Bachelor’s degree; Scores in MAT of AIIMA/ AMAT/ GMAT.

Appln F: Send Rs. 550/- by DD favouring "NIILM" payable at Delhi. At counter: Rs. 500/- (cash).

Mar 05 Indian Instt of Rural Management (IIRM), Mansarovar, Jaipur 302020. Ph: (0141) 395402, 396648 * PG Programmes in Business Management & Rural Management (2 yr, F/T). Elig: Bachelor’s degree (50%) scores in AIMAT/GMAT/CAT/State Admission Tests.

Appln F: Send Rs. 450/- by DD favouring "Indian Institute of Rural Management, Jaipur" payable at Jaipur, at the above add before 20 Feb.

Mar 05 Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Instt. of Medical Sciences, Rae Bareli Rd, Lucknow-226014. PhD Programme 2001 Genetics, Immunology, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Nuclear Med, Surgical Gastroentrology, Surgical Endocrinology, Microbiology. Fellowship in Dept or Biostatistics

*Elig: (1): MSc/ Masters degree in related subjs (60%) (reserved cat: 50%). (2): MSc (Stats/ Biostats/ Appl Stats) OR MCA (Stats/Maths at Grad) (60%) (Reserved Cat 50%).

Selection: (1): PhD: Entrance Exam: 25 Mar followed by Dept Tests & Interview. CSIR-NET qualified & SPGI Faculty with 5 yrs work ex are exempted from entrance exam.

Appln F & Bulletin: Send Rs. 400/- (SC/ST: Rs. 300/-) by DD favouring "The Director, SGPGIMS, Lucknow Academic A/c (SBI, SGPGIMS Lucknow, Code No. 7789)" with self-addressed, stamped (Rs. 38/-) envelope (35 x 25 cm) to The Academic Section, at above address to reach before 28 Feb.

Apr 20 Inlaks Foundation, PO Box 2108, Delhi 110007. * Scholarships for Projects/Studies in Any Discipline in Europe, UK & USA 2001.

Elig: Graduates residing in India with confirmed admission to the course.

Age: 22-30 yrs.

Selection: Interview.

Appln: Send self-addressed, stamped (Rs. 6/-) envelope (10 x 23 cm) to the above add.

Mar 26 Army Centre of Education C/o AEC Training College & Centre, Panchmarhi 461881 (MP) * BEd * Elig: Bachelor’s degree (45%), war widows of Army personnel killed/disabled in action, wives & children of serving personnel only.

Test: 01May.

Appln F: Send Rs. 250/- by DD favouring "Army Centre of Education" payable at SBI Panchmarhi (Code 1046).

CARING (Career Information & Guidance), New Delhi.