The Hindu : New Delhi News : A little paper problem for DU

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 08, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

A little paper problem for DU

Delhi University seems to have run into a little paper problem. More advanced than the ones last year, the pre-admission forms (PAF) in vogue this year might have plenty of choice for students, but these Optical Mark Reader (OMR) forms seem to have run into trouble.

From complaints of not recording the impression on the second sheet in some, the University has also had to battle rumours that they are running out of forms and reports that forms are being sold for more than Rs. 30 apiece outside the 16 designated distribution centres by "unauthorised" people.

"The paper in the forms is much thicker than the other forms as it has to be read by the computer. Since it is thicker, what the students are filling in might not get recorded on the second sheet if they are using a pencil or gel pen to fill out the form," said Dean of Students' Welfare S.K. Vij.

Printed on a different format, the paper of these forms can't be treated with chemicals unlike the older forms, so it might be tougher for them to take on the impression. "Last year both sides of the form were treated with chemicals. There is really no need for students to panic. They should just darken the second sheet if they feel that it has not taken the impression. This sheet is only for their reference. The University only needs the first sheet to read," said Prof. Vij. Taking no chances with the forms, the University has a back-up plan for the forms submitted. "The image of the form is being captured. So we will send this picture to the colleges if need be," assured Prof. Vij. Strongly countering rumours of unauthorised people selling the forms, the University has issued a press release warning students that they should buy the centralised forms only from the 16 centres.

"We would like to make it clear that we have not authorised anyone, other than the designated 16 centres to sell the forms or offer counselling. Those seeking admission to colleges of Delhi University are advised to buy and deposit their PAF only at one of the 16 centres. Those who purchase or deposit it at some other place will be doing so at their own risk as there is a possibility of such forms not being accepted by the computers if they have been tampered with," the press release states. The University has also advised students to steer clear of "unauthorised" websites that have reportedly sprung up across the web. The official website for the University is www.du.ac.in.

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One of the Capital's oldest women's colleges, Miranda House, has decided to add another programme to its curriculum. Starting a four-year-long Bachelor of Elementary Education degree course by Delhi University through the Central Institute of Education (CIE) and the Macese Centre, the idea is to add another dimension to their varied programme.

"This course will equip students with the skill of managing education at the primary level. It is a very rigorous course with a high vocational component," says Nandini Dutta, a senior lecturer at Miranda House.

Open to students after they complete their Class XII examinations, there will be a centralised written test for admission conducted by CIE.

There will also be a viva for students who qualify the examination.

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Jamia Millia Islamia seems to have run into some luck in Saudi Arabia. King Abullah bin Aziz has donated 30 million dollars to the University for construction of a public library-cum-research centre.

The library will be located on the campus and is expected to facilitate and further cultural and literary exchanges between the two countries.

Expected to be modelled along the lines of the King's library in Casablanca, it will be not only large but also state-of-the art with digital facilities.

-- Mandira Nayar

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