Prospects in footwear designing & technology
FOOTWEAR production is now a high technology industry with rapid changes. The introduction of CAD/CAM, robots computerised machinery for shoe making and new material confirm an exciting future for this industry.

High-speed Internet access
WHILE most home users are still waiting for broadband access to the Internet through high-speed cable or phone lines, students in many US university dormitories already have it.

• Concession to girl students

Prospects in footwear designing
& technology

FOOTWEAR production is now a high technology industry with rapid changes. The introduction of CAD/CAM, robots computerised machinery for shoe making and new material confirm an exciting future for this industry.

Due to high cost of production, the base of shoe production is being shifted to the western world to mostly South-East Asian countries. The US and European countries have become the major importers of shoes.

A rare option at present is to go for footwear designing and technology courses. Going by a demand changing trends in this field one realises that footwear has become an indispensable part of dressing up.

The Footwear Design and Development Institute, commonly known as FDDI, set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, is premier ISO 9001 certified institute in the world in footwear designing and technology. The FDDI courses are accredited to the textile Institute, UK, — one of the renowned institutes in the world.

At the FDDI the emphasis is on practical training so that students are well-prepared to take up the responsibility in the shoe industry as designers, supervisors and managers. The students are also sent to factories for practical exposure of shoe-making. The industry requires a large number of trained professions in this trade. Students are provided inputs as per the industry’s requirement.

Some companies recruiting FDDI students are: Tata Hindustan Lever, Pepsi, Phonenix, Dirsh, Bata, Bawa, Moja, Thaper, Eicher and multinationals like Reebok, Adidas, Nike and ECCO. The FDDI placement cell has been able to provide placement students by organising campus interviews at the end of the training. There is a very high demand for professionals in the industry.

The FDDI has set up modern machines for manufacturing shoes and components from Italy, Germany and the UK.

The syllabus, training software and technical materials have been prepared by experts from MCT, Australia. The FDDI faculty is trained in institutions in the UK, Italy, Germany , Czechoslovakia. The management modules have been designed by IIM, Ahemdabad, and taught by FMS, Delhi University.

The FDDI has an advanced laboratory, set up in collaboration with Bally, Switzerland, and the chemical lab has been set up in collaboration with PFI, Germany, a leader in this field.

The FDDI has set up a computer aided designing centre in collaboration with PROCAM, Austria, and assists the industry in range building, designing and grading of shoes.

The FDDI has an extensive information centre backed by a technical library. The computer centre of the FDDI trains students in computer skill which is compulsory.

Major courses offered by FDDI are:-

1. Management in Footwear Technology (MFT):- Duration: One and a half years. Eligible education qualification: Post-graduation any discipline/engineering/degree. Graduation for industry-sponsored candidate. Students appearing in final year are also eligible.

2. Higher Diploma in Footwear Technology (HDFT):- Duration: One and a half year. Eligible education qualification: graduation - any discipline/engineering/leather technology/footwear technology. 10+2 for company-sponsored candidates. Students appearing in final year are also eligible.

3. Diploma in Footwear Designing (DFD):- Duration: One and a half years. Eligible educational qualification: Graduation any discipline/bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA), 10+2 for company-sponsored candidates. Students appearing in final year also eligible.

Besides, the FDDI also offers various short-term courses, suiting the need of the industry. It also conducts tailor-made courses for the industry.

Admission to long-term courses is made on merit through an all-India entrance test, every year. The academic session commences in the month of September.

(Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India)

High-speed Internet access

WHILE most home users are still waiting for broadband access to the Internet through high-speed cable or phone lines, students in many US university dormitories already have it. Their experiences offer a glimpse of the benefits and problems that may lie ahead for much of the rest of society. While they are at school, many students have in their rooms high-speed access that is always on. At scores of colleges across the nation, dormitories are directly wired to the Internet with Ethernet connections, high-speed wires that connect to the campus’ main Internet hub at about 10 megabits per second, reports The New York Times. Because students are encouraged to experiment, play and learn online whenever they want, many report almost complete reliance on the Internet for information and correspondence. Students are able to collaborate more easily than ever before by running large computational programs online, teleconferencing over the Internet or working on projects that require people to download large files routinely. Easy and constant Internet access has also improved students’ interaction with libraries.

Maharshi Dayanand varsity in
dire straits
From Jatinder Sharma

ROHTAK: Maharshi Dayanand University is facing the worst financial crisis since its inception and the authorities are making desperate efforts to overcome the situation.

Following the decision of the state government to withhold grant for the last quarter of the previous year, the university had to raise a loan of Rs 1.50 crore from a bank to pay salary to its employees for the month of March 1999 (payable in April).

For the current financial year, the government has released the first quarterly grant of only Rs 1.50 crore out of the total budgetary grant of Rs 11 crore (including Rs one crore under plan). This aid is to small to bail the university out of the financial crisis as the month salary bill of the university employees is approximately Rs 1.50 crore.

Moreover, the university had to pay Rs 2.40 lakh per month as interest on the loan raised by it from the bank.

Although the recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission were implemented for non-teaching employees, the university has not been able to pay their arrears due to the financial crunch. The teachers are still awaiting implementation of their revised pay scales. Although the government has issued instructions in this regard, it has failed to release the necessary grant to enable the university to enforce its orders.

* * * *

The university had earned over Rs 95.69 lakh from the sale of prospectus and information handbooks for admission to various professional courses like MBA, MCA, B. Pharmacy, LLB and B.Ed (regular). There was an unprecedented rush for admission to B.Ed (regular) as can be gauged from the fact the income from the sale of prospectus for this course along was to the tune of Rs 67.64 lakh.

The sale of prospectus for admission to various correspondence courses, including B.Ed and postgraduate, has just begun. Classes for BA, B.Com, MA, and M.Com distance education are scheduled to begin from August 22. The university hopes to earn a reasonable income from the sale of prospectus of these courses.

The university is also considering proposals to impart distance education to Prabhakar students. Hitherto, the candidates willing to acquire a degree in Prabhakar to take the examination as private candidates.

* * * *

The Registrar of the university, Mr Ashok Khemka, has been invited by the University of California (USA) to deliver a lecture on “universalisation of communication services in developing countries like India”. The theme of the conference, convened by PUGWASH, is “science and world affairs”. It will start on June 28 and conclude on July 4.

* * * *

According to the Controller of Examinations, Dr K.C. Bhardwaj, the entrance examination for admission to B. Pharmacy, LL.B. (five years) and MBA (five years) course would be held on June 26 and 27. The admission test for various postgraduate courses in the university teaching departments and the Regional Centre of the university at Rewari will be conducted from July 1 to 5.

Dr Bhardwaj claimed that the university was the first in the country to have declared results of all final and major examination. The results of minor exams like honours courses, B.Sc. (Home Science) and BCA had also been declared.

He said the incident of unfair means in the exams had been on the decline.

Apprenticeship

Board of Apprenticeship Training (NR), 117-L/440, Kakadeo, Kanpur 208025.

* Apprenticeship Training (1-yr) for

(1) Graduate Apprentice
(2) Technician Apprentice
(3) Technician (Voc) Apprentice

Elig: For (1): Degree in Engg/Tech or Equiv or Sandwich Course students undergoing training as part of curriculum

-For (2): Dip in Engg/Tech or a Dip Cert in Vocational Course (2 years after Higher Secondary) or Sandwich Course students undergoing training as part of curriculum

-For (3): Higher Secondary plus Vocational Cert-holder

-Candidates should not have more than 1-year training or job experience

Appln Form: Apply to the Regional Director at the above-mentioned address.

Archaeology

Jul 17 Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India, 24, Tilak Marg, New Delhi 110 001.

* PG Diploma in Archaeology (2-yrs)

Elig: PG in Ancient or Medieval Indian Hist or MA/MSc with Archaeol or Anthropol with 55% (50% for SC/ST/OBC) agg. Age limit: 27 yrs as on 17.07.99. Relaxation in age limit allowed for SC/ST/OBC and in-service candidates.

Selection Procedure: Written test and interview

Appln Form: Apply along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope (20x10 cm) to the Director.

Fire Engineering

Jul 19 National Fire Service College, Nagpur 440 001.

* All India Entrance Exam for Sub-Officers Course (33-weeks)

Exam: on 10.10.99 at New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar and Nagpur.

Elig:- 10+2 with ability to read, write, speak and comprehend instructions, both in Hindi and English.

Age:- 18-23 yrs as on 1 Jan., 2000 (upper age limit relaxable by 5 yrs for SC/ST).

Physical Standards & Appln form: See notification in leading national dailies.

Hotel Management

Jul 15 Delhi Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology (Govt. of NCT of Delhi), Old Gargi College Bldg, Behind LSR College, Lajpat Nagar-IV, New Delhi 110 024.

* Cookery (1½ yrs)

* Bakery & Confectionery (1½ yrs)

* Restaurant & Counter Service (1½ yrs)

* Hotel Reception & Book Keeping (1½ yrs)

* Housekeeping (1½ yrs)

Elig: Class X with 50% (40% for SC/ST) agg. and Eng as a compulsory subject. Age Limit: 25 yrs (30 yrs for SC/ST) as on 1.10.99.

Appln Form: Send Rs 100/- by DD or Pay Order in favour of “Principal, Delhi Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, New Delhi” or Rs 80/- in cash at counter.

Merchant Navy

Sailors Academy, Chamber 123, SCO 139-141 (Opp. Mehfil) Sector 17-C, Chandigarh. Tel: 702640, 702789

* (1) Marine Engineer Officers Course (3-yrs)

* (2) Deck Cadets Course (3 months)

Elig: (1): 10+2 (non-medical) with 50% agg. or Dip in Mech Engg. Age: 17-24 yrs.

For (2): 10+2

Appln Form: Send Rs 150/- by MO/DD.

Nursing

Jul 31 Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi 110 016.

* General Nursing & Midwifery (3-yrs)

Elig: Unmarried women or widows/divorced without encumberances. 10+2 (Sc) with 50% agg.

Age: 17-22 yrs as on 1 Oct., ‘99.

Selection Procedure: Written test and interview.

Applin Form: Apply along with Class XII marksheet till 15 July.

Scholarships

Jul 15 Deptt. of Culture (M/O Human Resource Development, Gol), S&F Section, Room No. 333, C-Wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi 110001.

* Jr and Sr Fellowships in :

(1) Indology

(2) Cultural Eco

(3) Structural & Engg aspects of monuments

(4) Numismatics

(5) Epigraphy

(6) Scientific & Tech Principles of Conservation

(7) Sociology of Culture

(8) Mgt of Heritage, Art & Cultural Institutions

Duration: 2 years

Elig: - For(1): PhD/PG in Ancient and Medieval Philosophy.

-For(2): PG in Eco or Stat

-For(3): Graduation in Architecture, Archaeology, Civil Engg and related areas.

-For (4): PG in Ancient & Medieval Hist with knowledge of languages i.e. Sanskrit/Persian/Arabic/Dravidan Scripts.

-For (5): PhD/PG in ancient Hist, Archaeol, Sanskrit, Dravidan languages, Arabic, Persian, etc. and a sound knowledge of Scripts.

-For (6): PG in science, tech or cultural field. Those working in conservation & documentation in art and culture fields with more than 5-yrs exp may also apply.

-For (7): PhD/PG in Socio, Hist and related branches.

-For (8): PG in Eco/Business Mgt/Public Admn/Musicology or culture related fields. Those with more than 5-yrs exp in art & culture institutes may also apply.

-Age: For Jr Fellowships: 25-40 yrs as on 1.4.99.

For Sr Fellowships: 40 yrs and above.

Appln Form: See notification in leading national dailies.

Jul 21 Singapore Airlines, SIA Youth Scholarships, c/o Robinson Road PO Box 746, Singapore 901446, Republic of Singapore.

* Scholarships for 2-year pre-university course in junior colleges of Singapore

Elig: Indian nationals who have completed Class X in 1999 with 85% agg. Candidates should also possess a high level of oral and written competence in English.

Selection Procedure: Interview.

Appln Form: See notification in leading national dailies.

University

Jul 15 Dr B.R. Ambedkar University, Senate House, Paliwal Park, Agra 282004.

* Bachelor’s, Master’s, MPhil, Diploma and PG Diploma Courses in various disciplines.

Selection Procedure: Written test at Agra.

Appln Form: On payment of Rs 200/- in cash at counter.

Vocational Training

Jul 15 Department of Training & Technical Education (Govt. of N.C.T. of Delhi), C-Block, Vikas Bhawan, I.P. Estate, New Delhi.

* Engineering and Non-Engineering trades/courses in the following ITIs

ITI Pusa, Pusa Campus

ITI Arab-ki-sarai, Nizamuddin

ITI Jail Road, Tilak Nagar

Ch. Brahma Prakash ITI, Zaffarpur

ITI Shahdara, Vivek Vihar

ITI Subzi Mandi, Roshanara Road

Lala Hansh Raj Gupta, ITI, Narela

ITI Nand Nagari

ITI Khichripur, Mayur Vihar Ph-I

ITI Jhangirpuri

ITI Malviya Nagar

Jija Bai ITI for Women, Sirifort

ITI for Women, Gokhale Road, Morigate

ITI for Women, Tilak Nagar

Appln Form: Send Rs 10/- (Rs 5 for each subsequent loose form) by IPO in favour of D.D.O. of concerned ITI along with a self-addressed, stamped (Rs 5/- for ordinary post or Rs 15/- for regd post) envelope (10x25 cm) or Rs 10/- in cash at counter.

Submit separate application form for each trade and ITI.

Vocational Training for Women

Jul 16 National Vocational Training Institute for Women, Sector-1, Noida 201 301

*(1) Computer Operation & Programming (1-yr).

* (2) Secretarial Practice (1-yr).

* (3) Hair & Skin Care (1-yr)

* (4) Architectural Draugh-tsmanship (2-yrs, 10 months).

* (5) Desk Top Publishing (1-yr)

Elig:- For (1): 10+2 with Sc/Comm

-For (2): Class X with 50% (45% for SC/ST) marks in Eng.

-For (3): Class X

-For (4): Class X with Sc (PCM)

-For (5): 10+2 with Eng typing speed (30 W.P.M.)

-Age: For general candidates: 14-25 yrs

For widows/separated women: 35 yrs.

Appln Form: See notification in leading national dailies.

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

CARING (Career Information & Guidance), New Delhi.

I am a commerce graduate and wish to become a film actor. Could you please tell me about the requirements.

— Arun Gupta, Chandigarh.

If you believe you possess the ability to imagine, to relate to people and situations that exist in another mind, if you can project moods and emotions, if you can present a make-believe performance that may not be splendid but is convincing, then you could well take a swing at acting. A good memory is necessary in order to learn parts quickly along with the stamina to cope with arduous rehearsals, countless retakes and outdoor shoots.

One way to start off is to first undertake a suitable course at a good acting school.

However, if you are talented and in a hurry to get a job, you could bypass the formal training and plunge in straightaway. Get a portfolio done by a professional photographer and take a screen-test if possible to seek an unbiased professional opinion about your potential. While good looks are an asset, they are not everything. It’s your acting skills that really count. For instance neither Naseeruddin Shah nor Nana Patekar have the conventional chocolate-box hero looks, but see how they electrify the screen with their performance!

If you are unable to procure work with any of the big banners, don’t despair. A competent independent producer or production house with good projects could offer you better exposure and experience than a big name. Besides confidence, you will acquire polish and versatility which will hold you in good stead for the future. Regardless of where you start, do take advantage of every opportunity to learn.

Jobs in the film industry are rarely advertised. So, do try and crack an entry by approaching studios and production houses directly. Going by the experience of most successful entrants, if you literally knock on enough doors and are relentless in pursuing every lead you possibly can, your chances of being called for an audition or screen test are bright. Try assignments in television first — it is relatively easier to break into and can serve as an excellent springboard to Bollywood. Besides, TV offers more opportunities (there are many more serials than films being made in a year).

Also, if you are serious about a career in this industry, you’ve got to be in one of the major centres: preferably Mumbai, Chennai or Calcutta. Conducting a job search from a remote place is impractical, so be prepared to move to one of these cities if you are really keen about getting your foot in the door.

I am interested in becoming a newsreader on the TV or radio. Could you please tell me about the institutes offering training in newsreading.

— Malini Singh, Hisar

The following institutes offer courses in newsreading:

* Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Law College Road, Pune 411004. Course: Short-term course for Newsreaders in English.

* Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU New Campus, New Delhi 110067. Course: Postgraduate diploma in Radio & TV Journalism. Duration: 9 months. Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline; postgraduation and media-related work experience is desirable. Selection Procedure: Entrance test and interview. The other courses being short-term training for Newsreaders in English and short-term training for Hindi newsreading on TV.

* Janakidevi Mahavidyalaya (Delhi University), Ganga Ram Hospital Marg, Delhi 110060. Course: Short-term course in Hindi Newsreading on TV (for women).

* Bihar Institute of Film & Television (BIFT), Patliputra Colony, Patna. Course: Diploma in TV Journalism.

Besides these, some TV personalities also conduct short-term courses on television presentation. However, do check out their offerings before you sign up.

However, it is not absolutely essential to do a course. If you are a graduate with a clear diction and a pleasant well-modulated voice, you can appear for the written test ( a background of the cultural traditions of the region and overall general awareness are important criteria for selection) conducted by your nearest AIR station. Those who qualify in the written test have to appear for an audition followed by an interview.

I am in Class IX and the captain of my school’s football team. Could you please suggest some sports schools run by the government where I can receive further training in this particular sport.

— Parminder Singh, Chandigarh

The Punjab Sports Department conducts selection trials annually to select only boys (in the age group of under-17 and under-19) for the sports wings of State Sports School, Jalandhar, and Football Academy at Government Senior Secondary School, Mahilpur. Selected players can avail of the following facilities: boarding and lodging, sports equipment and medical facilities. Besides football, the State Sports School offers training in athletics, hockey, volleyball, basketball, swimming and handball.

For further information, you may contact:

* Sports Directorate of Punjab, SCO No. 116-117, Sector 34-A, Chandigarh.

I am a Class XII (PCM) student and wish to take the TOEFL exam. Could you please give me the details about this exam.

— Shiv Shankar Sanyal, Ferozepur

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is intended to evaluate the English proficiency of candidates whose native language is not English. It is meant to measure the ability to understand North American English. TOEFL scores are required if you are keen on studying abroad. There is no fixed passing or failing scores for TOEFL. In general, a score of 600-plus is excellent and score below 400 is considered poor.

Eligibility: Undergraduates seeking a first degree and graduate students seeking an advanced degree.

Format: Two-and-half hour multiple-choice exam in three parts: Listening comprehension; structure and written expression; and vocabulary and reading comprehension. The Test of Written English (TWE) is given with TOEFL on same test dates.

l For more information: You can get a free copy of the Bulletin of Information for TOEFL from: United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI), Fulbright House, 12, Hailey Road, New Delhi 110 001, which will give you all the details.

Are the BGL (Bachelor of General Laws) and LLB the same? If I complete BGL, will I be eligible to practice as a lawyer?

— Vikram Singh, Jalandhar

BGL and LLB courses differ in their scope and duration. While BGL is a 2-year course, LLB takes 3 years. Eligibility for both BGL and LLB is a Bachelor’s degree though you can also pursue LLB straight after Class XII by doing an integrated 5-year course offered by several universities. According to the Bar Council of India, you cannot practice in a court of law after BGL or BAL (Bachelor of Academic Laws), though you can join a solicitor’s firm or give legal advice. Besides, your degree will be an asset in various jobs which require knowledge of law such as in Company Secretaryship, personnel management, industrial relations, consultancy services.

Calculators may be good

New research shows doing regular homework will do little to raise numeracy standards among primary school pupils, according to a BBC report. It also shows that using calculators does not harm children’s understanding of mathematics — and can even improve it. Rather, the findings show that quality of teaching is the key to improving children’s performance in maths. The research results could prove awkward to the UK government which has tried to discourage the use of calculators, and wants pupils to do nightly homework. The findings come two years into a five-year project being carried out by experts at King’s College, London, into low attainment in numeracy in primary schools.

Hair testing

Hair testing to detect illicit drug use, a procedure already popular with at least 1,000 employers in the USA, is now being adopted by some schools, opening a new chapter in the continuing debate over the best way to keep adolescents from experimenting with drugs, reports The New York Times. De la Salle High School in New Orleans, which is affiliated with the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a Roman Catholic order, began testing the hair of its 870 students in March 1998. Five other Catholic schools in the New Orleans region have followed suit. “Our motivation is to provide a good place for kids to learn and develop,” said Yvonne Gelpi, De la Salle’s president. Parents seem relieved that the school has assumed some of the burden of keeping their children off drugs. And hair testing deters drug use, some teachers say, by giving teenagers an excuse to resist peer pressure. Yet the federal government, which has set strict standards for urine testing, has not done so for hair tests because it has yet to be convinced of their accuracy. And the American Civil Liberties Union opposes random testing, whether or not someone is suspected of drug use. “We’re always concerned about testing people who haven’t done anything wrong,” said Lewis Maltby, director of the employment rights office of the ACLU.

US model for UK

The UK is likely to move towards a higher education system on a North American model, with prestigious universities charging high fees and community colleges for the majority, according to the head of the admissions service, reports the BBC. Tony Higgins, the Chief Executive of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), was speaking at a conference to discuss the findings of a major survey of the way students choose universities. The study, carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies for a variety of higher education organisations, was published by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals. Mr Higgins said UCAS had itself noticed a trend — identified in the survey — for more students to be admitted to a university or college near to where they live. — KB

Concession to girl students

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Government has decided to provide free education to girl students in industrial training institutes (ITIs) in the state with effect from the current academic year.

Altogether 18,583 girls in 312 ITIs would be beneficiaries of the decision. The decision would impose a burden of Rs 33.45 lakh on the state exchequer.