Varsity dons at end of their tether

By K. Kannan

Imagine a situation in any profession where there is no provision for upward mobility, career advancement or promotions, a profession which does not carry any incentives and has nothing to motivate the personnel. Will the personnel be able to give their best to the job they are holding?

Pending the demand for fulfillment of career advancement schemes of college professors and teachers, the All India Federation of University and College Teachers Associations (AIFUCTO) and the Federation of Central Universities Teachers Association (FEDCUTA) have once again threatened to go on an indefinite strike.

While the Career Advancement Scheme is the main bone of contention, the two associations also want the UGC to take back its recent notification that makes eight years of service as Reader the minimum eligibility for promotion to the post of professor.

Also on the demand list is a career advancement scheme for librarians and teachers, a scheme for providing super selection grade to teachers and the inclusion of at least one third elected teacher representation in all statutory bodies of the University system.

Indeed, creating a proper motivational climate for teachers to function is an issue that demands urgent attention. If another prolonged strike by teachers disrupts the University system, it might be seen as a retrograde move in so far as academics is concerned.

* * *

The annual inter-college festival hosted by Gargi College was celebrated with great zeal this past week-end. The theme of the festival was ``Atisheen'' or ``Fire Within''.

As many as 14 events including choreography, English/Hindi debate, dramatics, creative writing, quiz, Indian dance and western/Indian music was held as part of the festival. Some of the participants included St. Stephens, Shri Ram College for Commerce, Convent of Jesus and Mary, Lady Shri Ram College, Kamala Nehru and Dayal Singh Colleges.

While Sarod recital by Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash marked the inauguration, the grand finale was provided by Joshilay who played not only from their albums but also songs by Ricky Martin, Queen and old as well as new film songs. Kathak celebrity, Mrs. Shovana Narayan was the chief guest.

* * *

The First Level Examination of the 3rd National Science Olympiad will be organised by the Capital-based Science Olympiad Foundation on January 29.

Open to all school students of standards VII, VIII, IS, X, XI and XII, the Olympiad will test the skill, understanding, conceptual clarity and application of students in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology.

Participation by any student is through his/her school which has to register with the Foundation. The duly completed application forms will be accepted up to December 31.

* * *

To train insurance agents, the RNIS college of Insurance has been launched in the Capital. The college has been set up along the new guidelines laid down by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA).

``Insurance education has come to take centre-stage in India in the wake of opening up of the insurance sector,'' says Ritu Nanda, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson, RNIS.

``While we are optimistic about the business potential for RNIS, all of us at the institute are especially enthused by the IRDA's rigorous attention to detail, as this can only make it incumbent on us to function with utmost professionalism,'' Mr. Nanda said.

The College will initially train agents, staff and managers, surveyors and brokers of the insurance companies in mandatory and skill oriented programmes for both life and non-life insurance services.

* * *

The examinations of Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) and Master of Computer Applications (MCA) of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), scheduled to be held from December 9 onwards, have been postponed and the examinations held up to December 8 cancelled.

While the ongoing postal strike is being cited as the main reason for these cancellations, the examinations will now be held from January 15, onwards. Fresh intimation slips will be sent to the students, an IGNOU spokesman said.

* * *

Delhi-based e-commerce training institute, e-Academy, a division of ITL Education Solutions Limited is planning to expand its operations in Delhi and other states.

The institute which is into providing specialised e-commerce training plans to open eight more centres in Delhi and NCR region. While it has set up three centres at NDSE-I, Pitampura and Vikas Marg, e-Academy is shortly opening two more centres at Pusa Road and NDSE-II.

E Academy has developed a new methodology of delivering IT education to the masses which is known as ``Theoropractical'' mode of delivery. This ensures that the student gets maximum practical exposure and experience to the technology with 100 per cent practical time on the computer and along with an online teaching facility.

-- K.Kannan

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Other States
Previous : Nanavati panel not to insist on affidavits
Next     : 'Save Bolangir' rally evokes good response