Single window & low-priority service at GB Pant Hospital's 66-C blood test counter upsets patients

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, July 25: In the GB Pant Hospital apart from a blood test counter for males, there is a single window blood tests counter '66-C' for females, here the blood tests is being done in two tiers first (timing between 8.30 am and 10.00 am) with empty stomach and second (from 10.00 am to 11.00 am) after one and half hour from breakfast.

Surprisingly, one can see the long queue maintained regardless of pregnant women, handicapped people, senior citizen women, children or common women were in a single queue, many have found falling due to dizziness.

"I am here since 7.45 am for blood test of my girl child (10 yrs) she insisting for food I don't know when our turn will come", said mother in the queue residents of Dairy Farm.

"Thank God, it is me with my daughter now, suppose if her father had came with her, she should have been in this pushing queue, I cannot imagine”, said a lady in queue in place of her expectant daughter.

"For the whole hospital this is only one blood test counter for females, I being a senior citizen when going to ask that staff for priority, they become anger on me and all of us and ask to maintain queue whatever you may be. How much can one manage this crowd?," said an elderly woman of Buniyadabad.

"Since decades the GB Pant Hospital has the same single counter, for then that was sufficient and ok, but now the population and patients were immensely increased, and to manage it, the health department need to pay attention in this regard", opine Sudhakar of Dollygunj.          

Now-a-days, from early child to the elderly aged, most of the people suffer lifestyle diseases and rush to the GB Pant Hospital for one or another reason. Earlier, the frequent visits by former Lt. Governors of our islands had made facilitation to some extent for the patients, now lack of attention of venerable, GB Pant Hospital has immerged as self styled.

Perilous bridge of Sippighat

TMI Correspondent

   Port Blair, July 25: A disaster is waiting to happen as the steel bridge at Shippighat has developed several cracks with protruded edges of the rusted steel plates may prove fatal anytime, especially at nighttimes any two, three or four wheelers wheel can be easily get into the sizeable gaps.

   "Many Pradhans of away from Shippighat use to pass through the bridge day in and day out, but they never minds while crossing the bridge which is dangerously damaged at the area", says a passerby near the Shippighat Bridge. The concerned authorities please have a look at it!

Film orientation course for children by FTII concludes

    Rangat, July 25: The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in association with the department of Information and Publicity A&N Administration has conducted a Film Orientation Course for Children at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Panchwati, Rangat, N&M Andaman from July 20, 2018, which was concluded on July 25, 2018. 

   The course includes theory, history, techniques and applications of film making. The course also include artistic and aesthetic analysis of films laying emphasis on developing the skill of storytelling.

The Course Director, Ritesh Taksande specialised in teaching film making skills to kids has conducted said course, he also conducted such Courses for FTII earlier in Pune, Patna, Nagpur, Jaipur and Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand).

YOGA in a day, keeps Medicine Away

v  Dr. S. Ganesan

Regional Director, IGNOU

v  Uma Maheswari

Astrologer

   How much time we spend to consult a Doctor? Getting ready, travel time to reach the hospital and waiting time for our turn to meet the Doctor etc, takes few hours of ours. Part of such duration if spent for physical activity at home itself, will keep your health in good condition. Regular, Yoga activity activates the different parts of our body, both internally and externally.  Its contribution gradually nullifies the requirement of medicines. This health fact has been experiment by many patients suffering from BP, diabetics and other health problem.

   YOGA is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature and a holistic approach to health and well-being Yoga is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with ourselves, the world and Nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us to deal with climate change.

   Yoga is essentially spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science for healthy living. The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ meaning “to join”, “to yoke” or “to unite”. According to Yogic scriptures, the practice of yoga leads to the union of an individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. According to modern scientists, everything in the universe is just a manifestation of the same quantum firmament. One who experiences this oneness of existence is said to be “in Yoga” and is termed as a yogi and who has attained a state of freedom, referred to as mukti, nirvana, kaivalya or moksa. “Yoga” also refers to an inner science comprising of a variety of methods through which human beings can achieve union between the body and mind to attain self-realization. The aim of Yoga practice (sadhana) is to overcome all kinds of sufferings that lead to a sense of freedom in every walk of life with holistic health, happiness and harmony.

   The science of Yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long before the first religion or belief systems were born. The seers and sages carried this powerful Yogic science to different parts of the world including Asia, the Middle East, northern Africa and South America. Interestingly, modern scholars have noted and marveled at the close parallels  found between ancient cultures across the globe. However, it was in India that the Yogic system found its fullest expression. Agastya, the saptarishi, who travelled across the Indian subcontinent, crafted this culture around a core Yogic way of life.

   Yoga is widely considered as an “immortal cultural outcome” of the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization-dating back to 2700 BC and has proven itself to cater to both material and spiritual uplift of humanity. A number of seals and fossil remains of Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization with yogic motifs and figures performing yoga sadhana suggest the presence of yoga in ancient India. The seals and idols of mother Goddess are suggestive of Tantra Yoga. The presence of Yoga is also available in folk traditions, Darshanas, epics of Mahabharata including Bhagawadgita and Ramayana, theistic traditions of Shaivas, Vaishnavas and Tantric traditions. Though Yoga was being practiced in the pre-vedic period, the great sage Maharishi Patanjali systematized and codified the then existing Yogic practices, its meaning and its related knowledge through Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

   After Patanjali, many sages and Yoga masters contributed greatly for the preservation and development of the field through well documented practices and literature. Yoga has spread all over the world by the teachings of eminent Yoga masters from ancient times to the present date. Today, everybody has conviction about Yoga practices towards prevention of diseases, and promotion of health. Millions of people across the globe have benefitted by the practice of Yoga and the practice of Yoga is blossoming and growing more vibrant with each passing day.

Before the Practice of Yoga:

·         Sauca means cleanliness- an important prerequisite for Yogic practice. It includes cleanliness of surroundings, body and mind.

·        Yogic practice should be performed in a calm and quiet atmosphere with a relaxed body and mind.

·       Yogic practice should be done on an empty stomach or light stomach. Consume small amount of honey in lukewarm, water if you feel weak.

·         Bladder and bowels should be empty before starting Yogic practices.

·         A mattress, Yoga mat, durrie or folded blanket should be used for the practice.

·         Light and comfortable cotton clothes are preferred to facilitate easy movement of the body.

·        Yoga should not be performed in state of exhaustion, illness, in a hurry or in acute stress conditions.

·       In case of chronic disease/pain/cardiac problems/pregnancy and menstruation, a physician or a Yoga therapies should be consulted prior to performing yogic practices.

 During the Practice of Yoga:

·         Practice sessions should start with a prayer or invocation as it creates a conducive environment to relax the mind.

·         Yogic practices shall be performed slowly, in a relaxed manner, with awareness of the body and breath.

·         Do not hold the breath unless it is specially mentioned to do so during the practice.

·         Breathing should be always through the nostrils unless instructed otherwise.

·         Do not hold body tightly, or jerk the body at any point of time.

·         Perform the practices according to your own capacity.

·         It takes some time to get good results, so persistent and regular practice is very essential.

·         There are contra-indications/ limitations for each yoga practice and such contra-indications should always be kept in mind.

·         Yoga session should end with meditation/deep silence/ shanty patha.

After Practice of Yoga:

·         Bath may be taken 20-30 minutes after practice.

·         Food may be consumed 20-30 minutes after practice.

Yoga is essentially a path to liberation from all the bondages. However, medical research in recent years has uncovered many physical and mental benefits that Yoga offers, corroborating the experiences of millions of practitioners. A small sampling of research shows that:

·         Yoga is beneficial for physical fitness, musculoskeletal functioning and cardio-vascular health.

·         It is beneficial in the management of diabetes, respiratory disorders, hypertension, hypotension and many lifestyle related disorders

·         Yoga helps to reduce depression, fatigue, anxiety disorders and stress.

·         Yoga regulates menopausal symptoms

In essence, Yoga is a process of creating body and mind that are stepping –stones, not hurdles, to an exuberant and fulfilling life.

Hasanas	Benefits
Vaksasana (The Tree Posture)	Improves neuro-muscular coordination, balance, endurance and alertness, It tones up the leg muscles and rejuvenates the ligaments also.
Pada-Hastasana (The hands to feet postures)	Makes the spine flexible, improves digestion, prevents constipation and menstrual problems
Ardha Cakrasana (The half wheel posture)	Ardha cakrasana makes the spine flexible and strengthens the spinal nerves, Strengthens the neck muscles, and improves breathing capacity, Helps in cervical spondylitis
Trikonasana (The Triangle posture)	Prevents flat foot, strengthens calf, thigh and waist muscles, makes the spine flexible, and improves lungs capacity
Bhadrasana (the firm/auspicious posture)	Keeps the body firm and helps to stabilize the mind, keeps the knees and hip joints healthy, helps to relive knee pain, acts on the abdominal organs and releases any tension in the abdomen, benefits women by relieving abdominal pain often experienced during menstruation.
Vakrasana (the spinal twist posture)	Helps to increases flexibility of the spine, helps to overcome constipation, dyspepsia, stimulates pancreas and helps in the management of diabetes

Yoga saves our time, money and also avoids side-effects of medicines. It relieves from medicine dependent life to normal healthy life. It develops our fitness and wellness for long period of life. Let us try ourselves to do yoga daily to keep ourself healthy and happy.

……………………………………………………………………………….

(The authors are Dr. S. Ganesan Regional Director of IGNOU, Regional Centre, Port Blair and Uma Maheswari, Astrologer and can be reached at rcportblair@ignou.ac.in (M-8900936718)

Disaster Management exhibition and mock drill conducted at GSSS, Haddo

    Port Blair, July 25: To enhance the capacity of school community as per the initiatives of the National Disaster Management Authority, New Delhi, the Directorate of Disaster Management in coordination with the Department of Education, Health, A&N Police Fire Services and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has conducted Disaster Management Exhibition and Mock Drill on 20.07.2018 at Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Haddo (Hindi Medium), Port Blair to generate adequate and appropriate awareness amongst the children and youths on the basics of disaster management.

    Shri Abdul Salim, Principal, GSSS, Haddo (Hindi), welcomed the Chief Guest and officials of other departments present on the occasion before substantiating the facts that the school children and school buildings have been badly affected by disasters, hence need of such programmes will definitely enhance the capacity of the school community to cope up disasters.

    Dr. S. P. Burma, Director (Health Services), A&N Administration Chief Guest on the occasion elaborately defined the vulnerability and various risks of these emerald Islands and emphasized the need of disaster preparedness so that the losses of lives can be minimized. Shri Gyan Singh, Asst. Director (Log.), DDM also detailed the objectives of organizing DM Exhibition and Mock Drill in Port Blair (AMRUT City). Shri Dheeraj Kumar, Dy. Director Edn. (Plg.) Guest of honor on the occasion described the necessity of safety in schools and urged the school community to take maximum benefits from DM Exhibition and Mock Drill.

     Later on, in the afternoon the school has conducted Mock Drill on Earthquake. The Mock Drill started with the blasting of School Siren and all the students carried out "DUCK-COVER and HOLD" position for few minutes in their respective classes for earthquake safety and then safely evacuated from their classes to identified safer places. The class teachers/monitors, head counted of students and reported to Principal and Search & Rescue (SAR) operation of missing students started. The SAR teams rescued the missing/injured students using Search & Rescue techniques from the classes and MFR Teams provided medical first aid to them. The Mock drill has been conducted as per School Disaster Management Plan to test and check the readiness of School Response System during any crisis situation.

      The Officers of Disaster Management, National Disaster Response Force, A&N Police Fire Services and Health observes all the activities of Mock Drill and appreciated students and teachers for actively participation in the mock drill.

DC SA highlights achievements of Revenue Department - Strives for more transparency, accountability and efficient delivery of services: Udit Prakash Rai

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, July 18: The Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman, Mr. Udit Prakash Rai addressing a press conference today has informed that the Revenue Department has adopted a citizen-centric and corruption-free approach and is committed to maintain transparency and deliver services with efficiency to people. Besides reaching out to people at their doorsteps, the Revenue Department has been striving for more transparency, accountability and simplification in delivery of services.

A&N Islands is the first in our country, who made registration of lands through e-services, said DC and expressed thanks to media units for sensitizing masses. He further proposed to organise press conferences on monthly basis.

As on 12th May 2018, altogether 47777 e-forms have been issued which include 353995 from South Andaman Division, 11127 from North and Middle Andaman and 1255 from other departments. By removing an existing superfluous verification level, the verification of e-applications will speed up and thereby will shorten the actual service deliverance period. Every level of verification/approval of e-application/manual application will have to be cleared by the concerned Patwari/ Revenue Inspector /Tehsildar in a decided time bound manner i.e. 04 days, 03 days and 03 days respectively. Individual responsibility will be fixed against concerned Patwari/ Revenue Inspector/Tehsildar in case of any delay/deviation from the said decided time period."

"To ensure zero level tolerance and to monitor daily pendency at each level, i.e. at the level of Patwari, Revenue Inspector and Tehsildar, the reporting system of the software have been modified suitably. This will help in ascertaining that on whose part delay disposing the application is attributed to. Departmental action under applicable service rules will be initiated against the concerned Patwari/ Revenue Inspector/ Tehsildar in case of each delay/ deviation. General public can also complain against default in the time line. Normally some applications are rejected due to the clerical errors while applying for any certificate, now efforts are being made to modify the system so that the Tehsildar concerned can revise/correct the error at his own level. This will reduce the number of rejection of application and will help the citizens by avoiding the process of re-apply. Due to shortage of Revenue Surveyor, around 200 no. of demarcation applications are pending. To reduce such pendency, the existing and newly recruited Patwari and all Revenue Inspectors will be given a proper training of survey and demarcation. The process of recruitment of Patwari has been completed in fair and transparent manner by the department.

Recruitment of Surveyor has been initiated and will be completed by September, 2018. The DPCs in respect of Dy. Tehsildar and Revenue Inspector have been conveyed by the department resulting into promotions of new Dy. Tehsildar and Revenue Inspectors so as to strengthen field staff of revenue department. In case of any grievance with respect to field functionary of Revenue Department, the general public can contact the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (S/A) Ph: 9923084555 and the Deputy Commissioner (S/A) Ph:9434280018," he informed.

Refuting allegations of illegal extraction of quarry products, Mr. Udit Prakash Rai informed that it is for the first time that the district administration has taken some serious systemic step to regulate the movement of aggregates. "2 check posts have been established and manned round the clock by civil defence volunteers. The staffs deputed at the check posts are being changed every week to ensure that there is compromise and complacency. Besides, both the check posts are under CCTV surveillance and staff maintain log of all the trucks doing movement which can be given to any public on demand. For the first time, the district administration stopped movement of vehicles in the night and the check posts are closed after 5 pm. Quarry and crusher operators are required to strictly abide by the pollution control norms and are certified to operate with a valid permit given by the Pollution Control Committee. Any violation in this regard is dealt with strictly as per rules and quarry operators have been directed to operate in demarcated areas only. The district administration has imposed heavy fines in the past two years on illegal earth cutting and boulder movement. Around Rs,1,09,42,200/- realized as penalty which includes Rs.90,98,000/- in 2017 and Rs.18,44,200/- in 2018," added the DC.

ANMF’s maiden conference on role of media in isles held

Port Blair, July 18: "The role of private media here has been augmenting day by day and it serves as a vigilant watchdog of the society in these islands. It creates awareness among the people regarding their rights and duties. Media today has become central to politics and public life and it should promote involvement of people in policy decisions of the government," observed the Member of Parliament," Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray. He was addressing a day-long conference organised by the Andaman and Nicobar Media Federation (ANMF) on the role of private media in these islands on July 16, 2018. Padmashree awardee and ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission, A & N Islands, Mr. Naresh Chander Lall was the guest of honour, while representatives from various political parties, social organisations, journalists attended the conference.

Appreciating the active role of the private media in these islands, Mr Ray said that the media here always kept the administration alert on issues relating to public interest. "As the Member of Parliament, I credit the private media here which always kept highlighting my works for the community. In my opinion, there should be regular interaction between the administration and the media so that the masses are kept informed about the developmental initiatives undertaken by the government. The media should bring the truth before public. The media has all the right to criticize a public figure or an organization, but it should be based on facts. Moreover, the media should refrain from publishing reports that can derail the development initiatives of the government," said the Member of Parliament assuring all support to media organizations in their endeavours. Mr. Naresh Chandra Lall said that private media here has been playing an important role covering all spheres in these islands. It also played an important role in giving platform to the artists and not only encouraged artists, but also presented their talent to everyone.

The general secretary of ANMF, Mr. Sanjib Kumar Roy said that the media here is playing the role of the opposition. The work of the media is to inform the administration about public affairs and highlight problems faced by the society. It's the local media here which reports about serious crimes like rape, suicide, POCSO violations etc whereas the government run daily tries to veil flaws on the part of the government authorities," he said.  A discussion session was organised in the second phase of the conference. In addition to the leaders of the major political parties of the archipelago, people from Chamber of Commerce and Industries and other areas also expressed their views on the role of media in the archipelago.

The president of Pradesh Congress Committee, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma lauded ANMF for organising such a conference for the first time in these islands. "This kind of conference should be organized from time to time. With the advent of social media, there has been a lot of challenges before the print media. Regardless, the media of its archipelago is doing its job without any discrimination," he said assuring financial support to the local media through advertisements from the Andaman Nicobar State Co-operative Bank. Mr. Sanjay Meshack, convener of Aam Aadmi Party, A & N Islands, said that the media is doing commendable work in the archipelago. "It has brought the truth from time to time. Journalists should always publish the news on the basis of truth and facts before the islanders."

The Principal of JNRM, Dr. N Francis Xavier, former Municipal Chairperson, Smt. Sheela Singh, Deputy Director of PIB, Port Blair, Mr. Nilesh Kumar Kalbhor, Dr. S Ganesan, Regional Director, IGNOU, Port Blair, Smt Rubina Siddiqui, Smt Kiran Tigga, Mr. Suderendra Dahladka of Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Subir Chander etc. also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, welcoming the gathering, the president of ANMF, Mr. K Ganeshan highlighted the role of media and journalists in the Isles. He also raised many issues related to journalists and the media world. Journalists here have never lagged behind in raising local issues and strived to provide information related to the new path and development of the society, he added.

Disaster Management exhibitions and mock drills in schools of Port Blair

Port Blair, July 18: During the Conference 2018 of Directors General/ Inspectors General of Police of States and UTs and Heads of Central Police Organization at New Delhi where one of the decisions taken relates to the conduct of Exhibitions on the theme of Disaster Management and Mock Drills in all (AMRUT) Cities covering major educational institutions.

As per the initiative of the National Disaster Management Authority, New Delhi, the Directorate of Disaster Management in coordination with the Department of Education, Health, A&N Police Fire Services and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is organizing Disaster Management Exhibitions and Mock Drills in all Schools of Port Blair City to generate adequate and appropriate awareness amongst children and youths on the basics of disaster management. Accordingly the first DM Exhibition & Mock Drill will be held on 20.07.2018 at Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Haddo (Hindi Medium), Port Blair and later on to the other schools in Port Blair City.

Journalism courses offered by IGNOU in the Islands

PG DIPLOMA, DIPLOMA AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES
Sl. No	Name of the Programme	Prog. Code	Duration	Total Prog. Fee
1	Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication	PGJMC	1 year	4400
2	Post Graduate Diploma in Audio Programme	PGDAPP	1 year	6200
3	Post Graduate Diploma in Translation	PGDT	1 year	3800
4	Diploma in Creative Writing in English	DCE	1 year	3800
5	Certificate in Community Radio	CCR	6months	6800

Minimum wages revised

Port Blair, July 18: The Lt Governor, A&N Islands has revised Minimum wages across 6 schedules of employment including government offices, departments and industrial establishments on Variable Dearness Allowance pattern w.e.f 01.07.2018. The minimum wages has now been increased by Rs 6/- per day across all schedules of employment. As per the revision, unskilled employees will be paid Rs 443/- per day, Semi- Skilled/Unskilled supervisory- 500/-, Skilled/Clerical-Rs 579/- and Highly Skilled- Rs 643/- per day. All private establishment as well as government departments i.e principal employer outsourcing manpower/security have been directed to ensure that workers are paid minimum wages prior to settlement of running bills of manpower/security agencies. Any cases of less payment of wages in government or private establishments may be brought to the notice of the Labour Commissioner directly or through union for necessary legal action.

Students overloaded buses in Islands; matter of grave concern

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, July 11: The department of traffic police officials and state transport authority office may have claimed their concern for traffic rules and travel safety norms but when it comes to practice of overloading the buses with school students, it seems they are least concerned.

Stuffed in the buses like birds in a poultry farm, some school students are also foisted to stand in the window and are generally seen hanging half in the air.

The warning issued by the STS to heavy trucks, medium goods vehicles to refrain from overload, and recent warning to the two wheeler drivers and the pillion riders to wear helmets, but it has failed to take note of the buses that double up its capacity, especially private buses in the morning and afternoon as students are literally packed like sardines.

The traffic police, soon after the Supreme Court's mandatory direction for the pillion riders to wear helmets, have now swung into action to enforce wearing of helmets by the pillion riders too in the islands, busily.

However, the 'bullet buses' in our islands, starts the day with race to beat one another; drivers try to overtake one another for that extra buck which put the common man's lives in danger especially in the wake of poor roads, narrow lanes and school timings.

"A simple counselling for these errant drivers could be handy to calm their nerves, said an old man standing at a road side by watching a fully packed bus passes through in a lightning speed. Another passer by suggest that surprise raids should be made on the running buses, the passengers should enforce the drivers not to exceed the speed limit and the conductor not permit beyond capacity."

In contrast, it has also been observed that the public or govt buses even in the peak hours ply their buses empty or without passengers, since their job is to finish regular given sorties of the department.

Efforts to solicit comments from the Director (STA) and Dy.SP (Traffic) on the issue over their respective official phones were unattended.

The danger is looming large if caution is not exercised, especially in bad road condition coupled with ever increasing traffic may jeopardise the precious lives.

After Graduation, What Next?

Dr. S. Ganesan

Regional Director, IGNOU

Earlier, the ‘Wanted’ columns invite applicant with graduation (any degree). Presently, the demand is replacing the word ‘graduates’ by ‘Post-Graduates’. We all know the present situation of job-market and survival of fittest (educationally). To adopt to such fast changing scenario, the simple graduate is to study further and further. When we see the higher education world through graduate eyes, we find a wide open window doors with varieties of specialization at Post-Graduation level. One will realize

·         Research

·         PG

·         UG

the top-down pyramid model from UG to PG transition phase. Because the PG courses have more varieties than UG level studies. Due to this academic fact, both parents and students experience the challenge of choosing the right one at right time. Let us critically examine the process involved in selection of PG studies by UG qualified student.

PG in Science: MSC Dietetics and Food Services Management, MCA-Computer Applications

PG in Arts: MA in English, History, Public Administration, Hindi, Political Science

PG in Social Work: MSW-Social Work, Counseling, MA Sociology, MA Anthropology

To analyze the Post Graduate courses while taking admission, the following points are to be considered:

·         Duration of study

·         Medium of study

·         Number of subjects (or) papers (theory or practicals)

·         Number of field work or project work to be carried-out (compulsory/optional)

·         Quantum of practicals in science branch

·         Choice (s) for optional subject(s)/specialization area(s)

·         Scope for further studies/research

·         Job opportunities available (present/future)

·         Fees

Duration of Study:  Not all PG courses are of 2 years duration. It ranges from 1 to 3 years even.

	Duration
MCA (Computer Applications)	3 years
MA	2 years
MLIS (Library Science)	1 year

Medium of Study: Mostly the Post Graduate courses are offered in English medium; however the popular PG courses, especially in arts subjects, it is available in Hindi medium also. Depending on the comfortability of the student, one can select the medium. For exam purposes, the flexibility of Open and Distance Learning System permit the students to write either in Hindi or English, irrespective of student’s medium of study. Change of medium of study is also possible in IGNOU like Open and Distance Learning Universities.

	Hindi	English
MARD (Rural Development)	√	√
MTTM (Tourism Management)	-	√
MLIS (Library Science)	-	√
MAAN (Anthropology)	-	√

Number of Subjects (Papers):  In general, the PG programmes have 4-subjects, in first year and 4-subjects in second year (total of 8 subjects). But this quantum varies from Post Graduation to Post Graduation; especially PG having Practicals/Internship/Project Work etc. The quantum of subject contents are indicated as:

Ø  Number of Papers

Ø  Number of Credits (one credit is  equal to  30 study hours)

Depending upon the capacity of student, one shall select the PG programmes having more number of subjects or credits too. But, the decision is to be taken well before the admission.

Number of Papers: (Subjects)

	I-year	II-year	Total
MA-English	4	4	8
MA (Distance Education)	5	5	10
M.Com (Commerce)	6	6	12
MSW  (Counselling)	7	7	14

Number of Credits:

	I-year	II-year	Total
MA (English)	32	32	64
MEC ( Economics)	36	30	66
MAAE (Adult Education)	34	34	68
M.Com	36	36	72

Number of Field Work/Practical/Internship:  At PG level, certain level of research aptitude is developed through few field works/project work. Some students who prefer desk work/book work, it marks them to be a drop-out in their PG studies. However, in few PG courses, the project work is optional one. Thus, student should match his/her interest (or) capabilities with the PG with special reference to field work /project work. Academically speaking, the students should prefer PG courses having project work/field work so as to face interviews with confidence.

	I-year	II-year	Total
MSW (Social Work)	One	One	Two (compulsory)
MPA (Public Administration)	NIL	ONE	One  (optional)

Specialization Areas:  Even the M.Com has different varieties of specializations, such as M.Com (F & T),. M.Com (BP & CG), M.Com (Management, Account & Financial Studies). Similarly, the M.A. Education provides opportunities to specialize one out of five areas of education such as; Higher Education, Distance Education, Educational Technology, Educational Management, Adult Education etc. Student should wisely opt such specialization as per his interest and capacity.

MA (Education)	One out of  5 special areas
MSW (Social Work)	2 out of 5 subjects

Scopes for further studies:  The higher education path after PG takes to M.Phil, Ph.D, Post Doctoral Fellow etc. Some PG leads to further specialization, for instance, M.A. Education to PG Diploma in Educational Technology, M.A. Distance Education etc. Higher the academic qualification, he/she gets good opportunities in job market. Hence, a long-term vision through your PG is to be seen especially, when one aspires to become researcher, Professor in university system.

Job Opportunities:  Time-to-time the Govt. of India, State Governments analyze the future requirements of manpower for the state or country. Analyzing such present or future requirements forecast of job opportunities, one should try to equip himself/herself to fit into the eligibility or become potential candidate for emerging opportunities. The PG with odd-on or value-addition PG Diplomas facilities to get wider job opportunities in today’ competitive world.

Fees:  Based on personal paying capacity and family income level, one must be optimistic to apply for PG. Dropping the course at mid point will be both waste of time and money.

	I-year	II-year	Total
B.Ed	Rs.50000	NIL	Rs.50000
MSW (Social Work)	Rs. 16400	Rs.16200	Rs. 32600
MPS (Political Science)	Rs. 5600	Rs. 5400	Rs. 11000

 With growing competition, the existing regular colleges are compelled to keep the merit score as high as possible. But at the same, to give equal educational opportunities to all, the Open and Distance Learning System keeps its doors open always. The unlimited seats in Open and Distance Learning universities (such as IGNOU) is one of the best alternatives for Andaman & Nicobar Population. Let all graduates become Post Graduate degree holder, to enrich educationally

(The author is Regional Director of IGNOU, Regional Centre, Port Blair and can be reached at rcportblair@ignou.ac.in (M-8900936718)