CAREER HOTLINE

by Pervin Malhotra

DEADLINE

‘Mother tongue is best medium of instruction’
(Interview)

By V.P. Prabhakar

WE have been skipping from one issue to another in the field of education ever since Independence. Whether it was compulsory primary education or adult education, there was little sincerity in the implementation of the plans. Educationists have started following consumerism.

These views of an educationist who spent his life teaching at the college level and the university and retired in 1991 as Professor and Head, Hindi Department, Panjab University. He is Dr Verinder Mehndiratta, a noted writer and literary critic.

Recipient of a number of awards for his contribution to Hindi literature, Dr Mehndiratta feels that education has not been given due emphasis. “We were not honest in the implementation of our education policies,” he says.

Even after 52 years of Independence, primary education has not been made compulsory. In fact, this should have been done just after independence because literacy is must for the success of democracy. If the people were educated they would have been in a position to evaluate their political leaders. He says Jawaharlal Nehru had a vision for technology, but he lacked the same as far as spread of education was concerned.

Referring to the heavy satchel of children, he says although persons at the helm of affairs always talk about reducing its weight, no efforts have been made in this direction. Instead, emphasis is on adding various chapters in different subjects.

Referring to adult education, Dr Mehndiratta is of the view that the programme has not been implemented sincerely. This is why it has not become a movement. He says “We have been trying to water leaves without caring for the roots.”

Even the policy regarding languages is not clear. The three-language formula has not been rightly implemented as a result of which there is confusion. In fact, this formula has not been given a fair trial by politicians and vested interests.

He says there is a race among all sections for English whereas the best medium in which to teach a child is his/her mother tongue. Dr Mehndiratta, who has remained President of the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, ridicules the idea of English being taught from Class I.

He says the Punjab Government has introduced it from this academic year but teachers for the purpose are not available. He says now the Haryana Government will follow the same policy but it will be better if proper infrastructure is created first.

He feels imposition of English amounts to curbing the creativity of the child.

Dr Mehndiratta says that introduction of English should be from Class VI. He says in Canada, children are not allowed to bring books to their homes up to Class VI. They are taught in schools. However, here there is a competition for admission of a child from the pre-nursery level.

Moreover, ours is a degree-oriented education. He says 25 students have done Ph. D. under his supervision and he says most wanted to obtain a Ph. D. degree by hook and crook. In fact, few were interested in research.

He says India has history and tradition whereas America has land and resources. Forgetting our history and traditions, we are following the West which is a consumerist’s society.

When pointed out that many Indians abroad have brought laurels to their country, Dr Mehndiratta says their efforts can be termed as “individual”. These Indians, by going abroad, have moulded themselves in the adopted country’s work culture whereas no work culture has been developed in India. Indians abroad are prepared to work very hard and do even small work but Indians here, especially in offices, believe in ‘not working’.

Beating the summer heat

LUDHIANA: Thousands of students going to government primary, middle and high schools located in rural areas and poor localities of Ludhiana are in for a treat this summer: They are being provided with jute mats, ceiling fans and pucca toilets.

The programme for making the schools more attractive for the students will cost the district administration more than Rs 1.10 crore and will be completed by the end of next month, according to the Deputy Commissioner.

The absence of these basic facilities was one of the major reasons for the high dropout rate in the educational institutions. Since most panchayats and parent-teacher associations lack funds to provide these basic amenities, the schools were forced carry on as best as they could.

The district administration carried out a survey some time ago to determine the exact nature and extent of the problem. It would found that more than 6,000 ceiling fans were required in primary schools at a cost of Rs 35 lakh. Another Rs 30 lakh was required to provide jute mats for the students.

It was also found that 99 middle schools were without toilets. In many cases, girls preferred to abandon studies and stay at home than face an embarrassing situation at school. Each toilet would cost an estimated Rs 56,000. A total of Rs 55.44 lakh is required for the purpose.

The installation of ceiling fans and provision of jute mats will be completed by the end this month while the construction of toilets in all schools will be completed by the end of April, 2000.

— TNS

CAREER HOTLINE

by Pervin Malhotra

I have joined NCC. I’m keen on joining the armed forces. Please tell me if there is any relaxation in the eligibility criteria and selection procedure for NCC cadets.

— Uday Galgotia, Delhi

NCC cadets are preferred for recruitment to the armed forces. They have a distinct advantage over the general candidates. But for that distinctive edge, an NCC cadet should be a certificate-holder. There are three types of certificates that a cadet can secure, namely ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’. A cadet becomes eligible for the ‘A’ certificate when he has spent 1-2 years in the junior division (school-level) and attended one training camp. For the ‘B’ certificate, he should have attended at least 75 per cent classes in the senior division (in college) and one training camp. The most coveted is the ‘C’ certificate.

To be eligible for this exam, you should be a ‘B’ certificate-holder, in your third year at college and should have attended at least one outdoor camp and one national integration camp or Republic Day parade or any other outdoor activity organised by the Directorate of NCC. The tests are held in March-April every year.

Army: Thirty-two vacancies in every regular course of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) are reserved for NCC ‘C’ certificate-holders who have passed the CDSE and have been declared successful by the Services Selection Board. A separate merit list is prepared for NCC cadets with the certificate. The Indian Army offers Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) to graduates with ‘C’ Certificate.

Eligibility: Unmarried males in the age group of 19-25 years. Graduation with 50% agg. Service in NCC: Should have served for minimum 2 years in the Senior Division of Army Wing of NCC with ‘B’ grade in ‘C’ certificate exam. Selection Procedure: SSB tests, interview and medical test. Selected candidates undergo training for a period of nine months at Officers Training Academy, Chennai.

Navy: Indian Navy offers Permanent Commission in the Executive Branch to graduates with NCC ‘C’ certificate.

Eligibility: Unmarried males between 19-24 years. BSc (Physics & Maths) or BE with Naval Wing Senior Division NCC ‘C’ certificate. Selection Procedure: SSB interview/test and medical examination. Selected candidates undergo Naval Orientation Course at the Naval Academy, Goa, followed by professional training at Naval Academy Units/Ships/ Establishments.

Air Force: Indian Air Force Offers Permanent Commission in the Flying Branch to science graduates with NCC ‘C’ certificate.

Eligibility: Unmarried males between 19-23 years. BSc with Physics and/or Maths and a ‘C’ Certificate of the NCC Air Wing. Selection Procedure: SSB interview. Apply within 24 months of leaving NCC. Selected candidates undergo 22 weeks of pre-flying training followed by 52 weeks of flying training. The notifications appear in leading national dailies from time to time.

What is e-com. Could you tell me about the institutes offering courses in this field. What are the job prospects in e-com?

— Arumoy Dasgupta, New Delhi

E-com (electronic commerce) refers to the buying and selling of goods through internet. It has ushered in a new type of economy in which business transactions, whether between companies (B to B) or between the company and the customer (B to C), are carried out through the net. In this field, you can work as an e-com specialist with skills for setting up a website, managing and transacting on the web; as a specialist web application developer for both content and page development; web page designer; as a Java programmer for writing and securing web applications or as an internet programmer.

The advent of e-commerce has also created a need for professionals who are adept at both creating as well as managing corporate websites. While for some courses in e-commerce, fresh graduates, engineers, MBAs, CAs/ICWAs, MCAs, BCAs or working professionals are eligible, others require postgraduation with knowledge of C-Language.

If you are lucky enough to get a foothold, internet solution providers and e-commerce start-ups like IIS Infotech, STG, Wintech, NIIT and Aptech offer jobs to freshers. It will give you a first-hand opportunity to see what e-com is all about and what exactly you should specialise in. In Delhi, the following institutes offer courses in e-commerce:

* Centre for Information Technology (GoI), SISI Extn. Centre Complex, Opp. Nirula’s, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110001.

Course: Diploma in Web Design & Development with e-commerce. Duration: 3 months. Eligibility: Graduates and diploma-holders with exposure to computers.

* Electronics Research & Development Centre of India (D/o Electronics, GoI), Link House, C-4, Sector-10, Noida 201301.

* ET & T centres in Delhi South Extn., Part I. Ph: 4601668/69.

* KCC, M-78, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001. Duration: 3 months.

* Zed Career Academy D-4, Near Nehru Place, Kalkaji. Ph: 6287655/56.

* Mahan Computer Services (India) Ltd., FA-33, Shivaji Enclave, Near Shivaji College/Raja Garden, New Delhi 110027. Course: Diploma in Web Technologies. Duration: 3 months. Eligibility: BE/BTech/MCA/graduates with 1-year IT experience.

I’m a property dealer. Are there any recognised courses in real estate?

— Sarvanan Krishnan, Delhi

In an attempt to bring about more professionalism in the dealings of the real estate industry and ensure greater accountability, the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), an apex body of the real estate industry, conducts training programmes for estate agents and property dealers.

NAREDCO offers a month-long professional training programme for property dealers and brokers leading to certification. The training programme comprises such subjects as legal aspects of real estate, principles of real estate finance, property appraisal, planning, zoning and development, brokerage and urban infrastructure.

For further information, you may contact:

* NAREDCO, 11, Community Centre, Zamrudpur, New Delhi 110048. Tel: 6292310-13, 6446332.

DEADLINES

Biomedical Sciences

May 15 University of Delhi, Dr. BR Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research, Delhi-110 007. 1) MSc-PhD Combined Degree in (Biomed Sc) (4 yrs) 2) MSc (Biomed Sc) (2 yrs) 3) PhD (Biomed Sc)

Elig: For (1) & (2): Bachelor’s degree in Biomed Sc/Life Sc/Zool/Bot/Microbiol/ Chem/Environ Bio/Biotech/Lab Tech/BPharma/BVSc or MBBS (55% agg). For (3): Master’s in appropriate field of Sc/MVSc/MPharma/MD (55% agg). CSIR-NET qualified preferred.

Admission Test: June 3 at DU North Campus, followed by interview & GD. Appln Form & Info Bulletin: Send Rs 630/- (Rs 185/- for SC/ST) by DD favouring “Registrar, University of Delhi” drawn on SBI, Service Branch (Code 7687), to the Director at the above address before Apr 30 or Rs 600/- (Rs 150/- for SC/ST) by DD at counter.

Corresp Courses

Apr 15 National Institute of Fashion Technology (M/o Textiles, GoI), NIFT Campus, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016.

Website: www.niftindia.com

* Fashion Education (1-yr)

Elig: Class X

Appln Form: Send Rs 100/- by DD favouring “NIFT, New Delhi” along with self-addressed, stamped (Rs 3/-) envelope, to the Programme Coordinator at the above address.

Education

Training Centre for Teachers of the Visually Handicapped, C/o The Blind Relief Association, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, New Delhi 110003. * Diploma Course for Training Teachers of Visually Handicapped Children (1-yr) Elig: Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Sc. Age: Below 45-yrs

Appln Form: Send self addressed, stamped (Rs 3/-) envelope (23 x 13 cm) to The Hony. Director at above address before Apr 15. Also at counter.

Technology

Apr 24 Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, Chennai 600036.

1. MTech (with or without Assistantship) (3sem) Aerospace, Chem, Civil, Comp Sc, Elect, Mech, Metallurgical, Ocean Engg, Appl Mech, Humanities & Social Sc (Indl Mgt), Phy (Solid State Tech) & Maths (Indl & Scientific Computing) 2. MTech Sponsored Programme (without Assistantship)

Elig:

For (1): Bachelor’s degree in Engg/Tech/Arch/Master’s degree in Maths, Phy & related subjs with valid GATE Score. Those with MSc in Chem/Plant & Life Sc are not eligible. For (2): BE/BTech (I Div or 60% agg) with 2 yrs work exp. AMIE and other Associate Membership holders to have GATE score. Appln Form: Send Rs 200/- (Rs 100/- for SC/ST) by DD favouring “IIT, Madras” payable at SBI, IIT-Madras Branch, Chennai along with two self-addressed slips (5 x 10cm), to the Chairman, MTech Admission Committee at the above address before Apr 17. For MTech Sponsored Prog: Requests for forms to be sent to Dy Registrar (Acad) at the above address.

Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076.

Apr 20 MTech Aerospace, Biomed, Chem, Civil, Comp Sc, Corrosion Sc, Energy Systems, Elect, Environ Sc, Mech, Systems & Control, Reliability Engg, Indl Engg & Op Res, Metallurgical Engg & Materials Sc, Geoexploration, IT. May 05 MPhil (Planning & Dvpt) MSc (Appl Geol/Stats & Informatics, Biotech, Chem, Maths, Phy) PG DIIT in IT PhD (all subjs mentioned above, Eco, Eng, Philo, Psycho, Socio) MDes (Visual Commn, Indl Des) Elig, Appln Form: See Employment News, 18-24 Mar.

Engineering

Apr 24 The Punjab State Board of Technical Education & Industrial Training, Plot No. 1-A, Sector 36-A, Chandigarh.

* Joint Entrance Test (JET-2000) (For admission to Polytechnics in Punjab & Chandigarh)

Elig: Class X

Entrance Test: May 21. Appln Form: Send Rs 250/- by DD favouring “Secretary, The Punjab State Board of Technical Education & Industrial Training” payable at Chandigarh along with self addressed envelope (25 x 18 cm) till Apr 17 or Rs 220/- in cash at counter. Also available on cash payment of Rs 220/- at the following branches of Banks: Oriental Bank of Commerce: Civil Lines, Amritsar; Bank St, Bathinda; GT Road, Civil Lines, Jalandhar; Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana; Dalhousie Rd, Pathankot; Near Bus Stand, Faridkot; The Mall, Patiala; GT Rd, Moga.

Corporation Bank: 8, Lawrence Rd, Amritsar; Old Satta Bazar, Bank St. Bathinda; 358, Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar, Jalandhar; SCO 34, Feroze Gandhi Market, Ludhiana; 91, Guru Hargobind Nagar, Phagwara; SCO No. 45, Lila Bhawan, Patiala; Court Rd, Hoshiarpur; SCO No. 47, Phase-X, Mohali.

Govt. Jobs

Apr 24 Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, New Delhi 110011.

* Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination-2000

Elig:

* For Indian Economic Service: Master’s degree in Eco/Appl Eco/Bus Eco/Econometrics.

* For Indian Statistical Service: Master’s degree in Stat/Mathematical Stat/Appl Stat.

* Age: 21-30 yrs on 1 Jan., 2000 (i.e. born not earlier than 2 Jan, ’70 and not later than 1 Jan., ’79.

Detailed info: Employment News, Mar 25.

Management — Agri

Apr 28 National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (an organisation of M/o Agriculture, GoI), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030. Website: manageagri.com

* Postgraduate Programme in Agri-Business Management (PGPABM)

Elig:

* Bachelor’s degree in Agri or allied disciplines (II Div) Selection: Entrance test, GD & interview.

Appln Form: Send Rs 1,000/- (Rs 500/- for SC/ST, attach cert) by A/c payee DD favouring “MANAGE, Hyderabad” before Apr 13 or by A/c payee DD at counter.

Para-medical

May 05 National Institute of Rehabilitation Training & Research (NIRTAR) (M/o Social Justice & Empowerment, GoI), Olatpur, PO Bairoi, Dist Cuttack (Orissa)-754010. Common Entrance Exam for Admission to Bachelor’s in:

1) Physiotherapy (31/2 yrs)

2) Occupational Therapy (31/2 yrs)

3) Prosthetics & Orthotics (31/2 yrs)

* Elig:

* For (1) & (2): 10+2 (five subjs) with PCB (50% agg) & Eng

* For (3): 10+2 (five subjs) with 50% agg in PCB or PCM

* 40% for SC/ST/PH.

* Age limit: 22 yrs (25 yrs for SC/ST/PH)

Appln Form: Send Rs 330/- (Rs 280/- for SC/ST/PH) by DD favouring “Director, NIRTAR” payable at Cuttack along with self addressed envelope (12 x 28 cm), to Dy. Director (Tech) at above address before Apr 28 or Rs 300/- (Rs 250/- for SC/ST/PH) by DD at counter.

CARING (Career Information & Guidance), New Delhi