Jauhari Lal, Director (Personnel) inaugurated the Vocational Education Centre (Women's Polytechnic) at Mehsana on July 23 which would ensure women a chance for a dignified living and setting them on the path of self-reliance. Lal also handed over a cheque of Rs 2.25 lakhs to Sri Aarasauri Ambaji Mata Devasthan, Ambaji under socio-economic development scheme.

The polytechnic will start courses in cutting, tailoring, embroidery and beauty culture in the current academic session. A highly subsidised fee structure with discount for needy women has been proposed. While 25 students will be enrolled initially for each course, duration of all courses would be six months. On successful completion of courses, certificates will be issued by ONGC women's Polytechnic Dehradun.

SC ST component plan: THE ONGC in its drive to fulfill its social commitment distributed a fund of Rs 3 lakhs to different organisations and individuals under its component plan. More than 200 people were provided monetary assistance with a priority for the handicapped, elderly, orphans, and widows.

The funds were distributed by Lal during his recent visit to Mehsana Project. The function was attended by N Lal, Executive Director, WRBC, C Lal Group General manager, Mehsana, and K G Gupta Group General Manager (P&A), Vadodara. Organised by the All-India SC and ST Employees' Welfare Association, Mehsana Branch, the Sewa team under the chairmanship of R R Senma and Secretary P Bhalekar had made special efforts to identify the poor and the needy in the villages like Chansama, Hariach, Dinoj, Pathan, Sonitra, Wadoj, Palavasana of Mehsana district.