Revision of syllabi top priority: Kehar Singh
Ashok Sharma
Revision of syllabi for all classes, total computerisation at all levels of working and building up greater coordination between the Punjab School Education Board and the universities are some of the priority areas which Chairman Dr Kehar Singh has scheduled during his extended term of another three years beginning February 9, 2001.

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Revision of syllabi top priority: Kehar Singh
Ashok Sharma

Revision of syllabi for all classes, total computerisation at all levels of working and building up greater coordination between the Punjab School Education Board and the universities are some of the priority areas which Chairman Dr Kehar Singh has scheduled during his extended term of another three years beginning February 9, 2001.

Revealing this in an exclusive interview Dr Kehar Singh, said: A thorough review of the syllabus has made us realise the need to prune it, especially the syllabus for social studies which is very lengthy. We shall make deletions and additions as warranted by the times. It may take another two years to get to the target as it requires a lengthy process to prepare books well before the beginning of an academic session. However, stress will be on vocational and computer education."

"In the light of the Amrik Singh Committee recommendations, it is being contemplated that education after plus two must be terminated so as to enable a student stand on his feet even if he, forced by circumstances or by choice, opts out of pursuing higher education. This will certainly save a lot of human resources from being wasted in running after higher education with no practical use."

Computerisation of the examinations process by the board will stem the menace of impersonation and tampering with results. Also, it will bring down public dealing to a negligible level," explained Dr Kehar Singh.

"Computers have been installed at all 21 depots of the board situated at the district/sub-division level. And to promote decentralization, these depots are being made more functional so that instead of rushing towards board headquarters at SAS Nagar, people of respective areas approach these for queries. A website "punjabeducation.org." has also been launched by the board. And this change over to computerization is absolutely without tears as no employee of the board will be retrenched," the Chairman said.

"During the ensuing examinations", says Dr Kehar Singh, "over and above the flying squads, observers of integrity shall be deployd for full duration of the examinations at sensitive centres. Supervisory staff, including the Superintendent shall be rotated to discourage any kind of nexus to eliminate copying."

"Last but not the least", says the Chairman, "greater coordination between the board and the universities of the state will be built up. As of now, dates for competitive examinations like the PMT/CET are fixed by universities while some students cannot compete due to non-declaration of results by the board. Students rush of provisional/confidential results for hampers smooth working.

Consequently, declaration of results is further delayed. To solve the problem, the boards representation on university bodies, which is not in force at present, shall be sought."

"And if these targets are pursued whole-heartedly, I am confident", says Dr Kehar Singh, who is a political scientist and has a vast teaching and administrative experience, "this process shall soon start showing results."

Career queries hotline
Pervin Malhotra, tribune’s career expert answers all your career queries.

A To increase their value, the IT professionals need to instantly upgrade their skills and be willing to venture into newer areas. The IT companies look for people who can grow beyond their respective roles. It is imperative for the job seeker to be a good resource manager.

Manjot Chawla.

A It is true that IT companies have a bias towards recruiting engineers. The reasons are extraneous but manifold.

For one, a student with a solid 4-yr engineering degree comes with a background of consistent hard-work and systematic logical thinking as compared to his counterpart from the relatively more relaxed humanities or commerce streams.

Secondly, if you are working on a software project in any of the top IT firms, you would be required to visit the client’s site in the US at short notice. Since the H1-B visa (specifically created for IT professionals) requires 4 years of undergraduate study, BA/BSc/BCom students from India would not be eligible.

Sameer Jain

A The Orissa floods and the recent Gujarat earthquake has shown us that however much we may know about the environment, there is still a great deal more to learn about disasters — either natural or manmade.

And even more than knowledge, we need clear and practical strategies for managing large scale disasters — what to, how to chanelise help in the aftermath, how to establish clear links of communication, etc.

Teams comprising health and social workers, engineers, administrators, scientists and psychologists need to be directed and coordinated by specially trained disaster management experts.

Besides excellent organisational and problem solving skills and domain expertise, the jobs calls for a deep sense of commitment and the ability to work swiftly under pressure.

Several universities, schools of public health and community medicine in the US and Europe have been offering focussed programs in disaster response at the postgraduate level.

Although we have 30 different kinds of disasters in India, we still need to get our act together as far as structured training programs are concerned. The few institutes that we have only offer short-term courses. Notable amongst them being the National Center for Disaster Management set up by the Indian Institute of Public Administration and the Centre for Disaster Management set up by Y S Chawan Academy of Development Administration conduct workshops and seminars for civil servants and government officials. NCDM is also the nodal agency for cordinating relief and rehabilitation work during natural calamities.

Similarly, the Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal set up after the gas tragedy conducts awareness programs for NGOs and the public at large.

Some universities have recently taken the initiative to introduce a few courses. For instance, IGNOU and the University of Pune offer 6-month certificate courses. Any one who has completed 10+2 is eligible to enrol. Another correspondence program in disaster mitigation is offered by the Indian Institute of Ecology & Environment, New Delhi in affiliation with the Sikkim Manipal University. Spread over 2 years and 10 papers including a thesis this program is open to graduates in any discipline. A similar course is also offered by the PRT Institute of Postgraduate Environmental Education & Research in affiliationwith the Institute of Open & Distance Education, Barkatullah Vishwadyalaya, Bhopal.

While these courses have started gaining in popularity, career opportunities are still pretty limited. Openings are mainly found in some government and non-government agencies. Large industrial establishments, particularly those in the high-risk fields like chemicals, mining, petroleum have disaster management cells. The International Red Cross, and some UN organisations also empanel trained professionals for working on humanitarian missions to handle major calamities and emergencies.

As the lack of adequate trigger mechanisms or quick response intervention that can be automatically activated in an emergency becomes glaringly evident with each disaster, the need for well-trained disaster management experts will only shoot upwards.

Anand Bhalla

A Unlike in most Asian countries, the Idea of working for a couple of years or even more, is actually a much accepted and encouraged idea in many American colleges. The practical experience gained along the way will not only enhance the chances of your admission but will also help in boosting your chances for assistentship.

In fact, several schools stipulate work experience as a must before you are fully eligible for a Master’s degree in certain areas like management. Your experience in the actual field and evaluation of your employer’s recommendation letters will considerably enhance your chances of success.

Anurag Bindra.

A Increasingly, students have begun to opt for your kind of decision. In order to zero-in on the best course, you must go in for a recognised well-known university. Then check out its jurisdiction. Except the Central Universities and a few others, most universities stipulate their own domicile requirements. First try your local university. It will save you the bother of travelling to another city for taking your exams. Also check out whether the university offers contact programmes in your city from time-to-time as these can be a great help.

As far as the course is concerned, opt for an ‘honours’ degree instead of a ‘pass’ course if available in the subject of your choice. You could also refer to the Caring’s Guide to Correspondence & Part-Time Courses, for a comprehensive listing and details of recognised correspondence courses offered by all universities and professional institutions in India.

Before you select a coaching centre for UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams, you must verify its track record: How many of their students have actually cleared the Prelims and the Mains and made it to the UPSC in the last 2-3 years? Also check out the faculty. Are they sufficiently experienced in this line? Talk to students studying there to get a clear picture. Then check out the fees. The most expensive need not necessarily be the best!

Apr 27 Territorial Army, Army Headquarters, ‘L’ Block, New Delhi-110 001. Apr 10 2K

* Officers - Infantry

Elig: Graduate male Indian citizens, Ex-Service Officers gainfully employed and medically fit.

Age: 18-42 yrs as on 27 Apr 2001.

Appln F: Ex-service Officers: send Rs. 10/- by IPO favouring "ADG, TA, Army Headquarters" to Addl. Directorate General at above address before March 10.

For Civilian Candidates residing in:

Delhi, Punjab & Chandigarh: Send Rs. 10/- by IPO favouring "TA Group Commander" to Commander, TA Group Head Quarters, Western Command, Bldg. No. 750, Sector-83, Chandigarh 160018, (S) Southern Command, Pune-1, (E) Eastern Command, Calcutta-21, (C) Central Command, Lucknow-2.

Also enclose a self-addressed, stamped (Rs. 6/-) envelope (28 x 12 cm) with bio-data.

May 25 Indian Army, Army Education Corps.

* Havildar Education in Group ‘X’ & ‘Y’

for (i) Science Stream (ii) Arts Stream

Elig: Group X: BA; BEd/BSc; BEd/MA/MSc

Group Y: BA/BSc

(i) BSc in Math/ Phy/ Chem/ Botany/Zoology/Electronics/Comp Sc.

(ii) BA in English Lit/Hindi Lit/ Urdu/ His/Geog/Pol Sc/Econ/Psycho/ Math/Socio.

Bachelors Degree with at least two of the above mentioned subjects plus working knowledge of Eng/Hindi.

Appln F: Contact the nearest recruitment office.

Mar 26 Indian Instt. of Information Technology (IIIT), Kolkata (WB).

* Graduate Programmes in Information Technology (4-yrs)

Elig: 10+2 with Maths & Phy.

Age: Born on or after 1 Oct ‘80.

Test: Apr 22 at various centres all over the country.

Appln F: Send Rs. 590/- DD favouring "Indian Institute of Information Technology, Calcutta" payable at Kolkata to Educational Consultants India Ltd., Kolkata Br office, DN 61, Sector-5, Salt Lake City, Kolkata 700091. Also in cash Rs. 500/- at Ed. CIL House, 18A, Sector 16A, NOIDA-201 301, UP.

Mar 15 Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (M/0 Youth Affairs & Sports), Shakti Nagar, Gwalior 474002.

* MPE (3 Summer Sessions, 70 days each )

Test: 30 March.

Age: Born on or after 1 Oct ‘80.

Appln F: Send Rs. 200/- (DD) favouring "Registrar" at the above address.

Jun 15 The Institute of Costs & Works Accountants of India, 12, Sudder Street, Kolkata 700016.

* Website: www.icwai.org

* (i) Foundation Course

(ii) Intermediate Course

* Elig: For (i) 10+2 or equivalent; Age: Above 17 yrs.

* For (ii).Graduate or equivalent; Age: Above 18 yrs.

* Appln F: Apply to ICWA regional councils at (W): Mumbai, Ph: 2872010, (SOUTH): Chennai, Ph: 855443, (E): Kolkata, Ph: 4553418 & (NORTH): New Delhi, Ph: 4615788.

Mar 31 Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (unit of Dr. T.M.A. Pai Foundation), Manipal 576119, Karnataka

Ph: 08252-71101.

* Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Mgt (4 yrs)

Elig: PUC/Class XII (50%).

Selection: Entrance exam (at Kolkata, B’lore, Manipal, Mumbai & Delhi) followed by GD & interview in end April.

Appln F: Send Rs. 500/- by crossed DD favouring "Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration" payable at Manipal or Udupi" to the Chief Administrator at the above address.

Apr 28 Lal Bahadur Shastri Instt. of Management & Technology, 29, Theatre Rd, Cantonment, Bareilly 243001.

Website: www.lbsimt.net

* PG Diploma in Business Management (2-yrs, F/T).

* Elig: Bachelor’s degree. Those appearing for the qualifying exam may also apply.

* Test: May 6 at 10 centres including Chandigarh & Delhi, followed by GD & interview. Foreign nationals/NRIs/NRI sponsored candidates and all Commissioned Defence Service Officers are exempted from written test.

Appln F: Send Rs. 550/- by DD favouring "LBS Instt. of Management & Technology" payable at Bareilly.

Apr 16 National Law Instt. University, PO Box No. 369, Central T. T. Nagar HO, Bhopal 462003.

Ph: 0755-234635 / 696965

* Integrated BA, LLB (Hons) (5-yrs) (All India basis)

Elig: 10+2 (55%), Age: Below 21-yrs as on 1 July.

Test: 13 May at Bhopal, Lucknow & Delhi.

Appln F: Send Rs. 300/- by DD favouring "PEB, Bhopal" to the Director, PEB at above address.

Apr 18 Institute of Medical Sciences , Banaras Hindu University, VARANASI-221005. Web: www.bhu.ac.in

* All India Entrance Test

* MD/MS (Ayurvedic)

* Elig: (i) BAMS/MBBS

* (ii) Min 6 mths house job/12 mths internship

* Age: Below 35 yrs on 31 Jul.

* Test: 1 July at Varanasi.

* Appln F: Send Rs.600/- (DD) favouring "The Director" at the above address payable at SBI BHU Branch (code. No. 0211) with self addressed envelope (25cm X 16cm) stamped Rs.30/- or At Counter: Rs 600/-(Cash).

Feb 28 Additional Director General, Central Statistical Organisation, Room No. 418, Sardar Patel Bhavan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi 110001 (M/o Statistics & Prg Implementation).

Fax: 011-3342384

* Doctoral & Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Statistics

Elig: Indian citizens; PG Degree for Doctoral & PhD for Post-Doctoral. Experience 5 years in Govt.

Age: 26 - 54 yrs.

Apr 09 National Board for Higher Mathematics D/o Atomic Energy, 2nd FLoor, OYC Bldg, C.S.M. Marg, Mumbai 400001.

* PhD in Mathematics

Elig: Masters in Maths, Stats, Phys.

Age: Below 25 yrs on 1 Jan.

M/o HRD, (D/o Secondary Education & Higher Education) ES. 3 Section (for Chinese Govt. Scholarships) & ES. 5 Section (for Belgian & Greek Govt. Scholarships), A-1/w-3, Curzon Rd, Barracks, Kasturba Gandhi Rd, New Delhi 110001.

* March 12 Chinese Scholarships

(i) Chinese Language & Literature

(ii) Fine Arts (Painting & Sculpture)

(iii) Other Subjects

Age: Below 40 yrs on 1 Sept.

March 01 Belgian Scholarships

(i) Agronomy

(ii) Environmental Science

(iii) Technical Metallurgy

Age: Below 35 Yrs on 1 Sept. Greek Scholarships

(i) Mathematics

(ii) Political Philosophy/ Political Thought

Age: Below 40 on 1 Oct.

Appln F: See Employment News dated 17 - 23 Feb.

Feb 27 Indian Council of Medical Research, (Division of Manpower Development), Ansari Nagar, Post Box 4911, New Delhi 110029

* ICMR’s Junior Research Fellowship (100 No’s): Biomedical Sc (80) & Social Sc (20)

Elig: MSc or equivalent (55%).

Age: Below 28 yrs on 30 Sept.

Test: 29 April.

Appln F: See the Employment News dated 27 Jan - 2 Feb 2001.

Apr 06 Indian Instt. of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM) (M/o Tourism, GoI), Govindpuri, Gwalior 474011, M.P.

* Diploma in Tourism Management (DTM) (12 mths, F/T at Gwalior & Bhubaneshwar).

* Elig: Bachelor’s Degree. Age: Below 25 yrs on 1 July.

* Test: May 6 at Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Gwalior & Mumbai.

* Appln F: Send Rs. 400/- (SC/ ST/ OBC: Rs. 225/-) by crossed DD favouring "IITTM, Gwalior" before Mar 24. At counter: Rs. 350/- (SC/ST/OBC: Rs. 175/-) (cash) before 5 April.

Caring (Career Information & Guidance), New Delhi.