LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION PROGRAM ON "FINANCIAL LITERACY AND INVESTOR EDUCATION AND AWARENESS"

 On February 6th, 2025, Committee for Competitive Examinations of PCM SD College For Women, Jalandhar and the PG Department of Commerce and Management, in collaboration with Krisha Foundation, organized a Skill Development Program on “Level - 1 Certification Program on Financial Literacy and Investor Education” under the initiatives of BSE Ltd. through the SEBI Investor Certification Examination.

The program's objective was to equip the students with comprehensive financial knowledge and practical market insights. The certification program was meticulously structured as a skill development program which was done via Google Meet app.

The trainer was Dr. Jyoti Verma who guided the students during the session. The session was divided into two parts. In the first half students were guided regarding the examination registration, enrolment, login credentials, steps of downloading certificate etc. while the second half was a 50 marks multiple-choice based test within the time duration of one hour.

This initiative focuses on importance of financial literacy in contemporary education. By bridging academic theoretical frameworks with practical market understanding, the program empowers students to navigate increasingly complex financial landscapes. The certification program is not merely an academic exercise, but a strategic intervention designed to cultivate informed, financially astute professionals who can contribute meaningfully to economic ecosystems.

The examination is created for those candidates who wish to assess their financial literacy and their understanding of various aspects of financial literacy, various investment options, savings and investment products, insurance and pension. After enrolling for this exam, the students will be regularly updated about the follow ups and updates of such skill development programmes and associated in events taken by SEBI, BSE, Krisha Foundation, or their associates.

This certification will empower the youth with the knowledge, skills, attitude, and behaviour required for entrepreneurial opportunities in the financial sector. A total 125 students participated, out of which 100 appeared for exam and 91 qualified for the level -1 and were certified. This served as a opportunity for students to learn about the financial planning, financial literacy and investment strategies.

APEEJAY SPARK COMPETITION

 The students of PG Department of Commerce and Management participated in Apeejay Spark Competition as held at Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus Jalandhar on 4th March,2025 and secured second position in Aamne Samne (Debate) and third position in Start Up Launcher (Business Plan). They presented environment friendly business idea of Lumi-Core Phone case-cum solar energy-based charger. The business idea was very well presented using a self-explanatory PowerPoint Presentation.

Our team for the competition comprised of:

Start Up Launcher (Business Plan) - Himanshi (M.Com. – IV) and Urvi Chauhan (M.Com. – IV)

Aamne Samne (Debate)- Harmanpreet Kaur (M.Com. – IV) and Muskan Kalia (M.Com. – IV)

The students' remarkable performances were a testament to their creativity, critical thinking, and persuasive skills. They demonstrated exemplary teamwork and dedication, earning accolades from the judges and audience alike.

PG DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND MANAGEMENT ORGANIZED INDUSTRIAL VISIT TO VERKA MILK PLANT, MOHALI

The PG Department of Commerce & Management organized an industrial visit for the students of the department to Verka Milk Plant, Mohali, Chandigarh on 1st March 2025 (Saturday). The main aim of the visit was to provide a practical insight of the entire dairy process of milk and milk related products. Verka Milk Plant in Mohali, Punjab, is in the Industrial Area Phase 6, presently, The Ropar District Cooperative Milk Producer’s Union Limited. The students were taken on the tour of the production site into two groups. The information regarding the Product and its process right from raw material stage to finished goods stage was given by two trainers from Quality Control and Inspection Department.

The students were given detailed knowledge about the entire process from Milk Reception to Packaging, Distribution and Maintenance. The students were initially shown the refrigerated tankers which is used by Verka collects milk from local dairy farmers, farmer cooperatives, and village-level milk collection centres later, this collected milk is transported to the Verka processing plant in refrigerated tankers. Then the milk is weighed and measured at the measurement point.

The milk undergoes a quality test to ensure its quality, purity, and freedom from adulteration. This involves a series of tests, including the Milk Fat Test, which measures the fat content of the milk. Additionally, the Milk Protein Test is conducted to determine the protein content of the milk. The Milk SNF (Solids-Not-Fat) Test is also performed to measure the SNF content of the milk. Finally, the Milk Adulteration Test is carried out to detect any adulterants that may be present in the milk.

Then students were taken to the pasteurization unit, were practically shown how milk is pasteurized to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present. This process involves heating the milk to a temperature of around 161 F (72 C) for at least 15 seconds. After pasteurization, the milk is standardized to adjust its fat content and other parameters to meet the required standards. This is achieved by separating the cream from the milk to adjust the fat content. Then milk is further distributed into various units wherever required by use of pipelines.

Subsequently, the students proceeded to the packaging site, where they witnessed the culmination of the Automated Milk Processing Plant. Through an intricate network of pipelines, the finished and processed milk reached an automated machine, which efficiently dispensed the filled milk packets. Notably, the machine had a meticulously labelled milk packet roll, with pertinent product information, pricing details, and prominent branding, thereby ensuring a professional and visually appealing presentation.

Finally, the packaged milk is distributed to retailers, wholesalers, and institutional customers through a network of distributors and logistics partners. To maintain its quality and safety, the milk is stored and transported in refrigerated conditions throughout the distribution process.

At last, the students visited the fermentation unit, Mrs. Harvinder, Quality Inspector of Fermentation, detailed about fermentation process of curd making. She explained that milk is first prepared by standardizing its fat content and temperature. Next, a starter culture is added to the milk to initiate the fermentation process. Then packed and sealed into tetra containers which are further packed into cartons. The milk is then incubated at a controlled temperature of 43 C for adequate hours, allowing the starter culture to grow and ferment the lactose. During the fermentation process, the lactose is converted into lactic acid, which gives the product its characteristic flavour and texture.

During the field visit a total of 57 students visited the plant- divided into two groups of 27 and 30 students. Five teachers accompanied them to the entire visit, from Milk Reception to packaging Distribution and maintenance. Verka Milk Plant Mohali is a front-line Milk Plant in Co-operative Sector having installed handling capacity of 5,00,000 litres of Milk per day. The plant is supplying Verka Milk and fresh milk products to many eminent institutions like Punjab University, PGI, renowned hotels like Mount View, Shivalik View, Park View, CITCO etc.

It was a resourceful and learning experience for the students. It served as an innovative way for students to learn the practical aspects of the industry, its operations and working.

 

WORKSHOP ON "CAREER COUNSELING AND PREPARATION OF COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION BY IBT"

 

ON 30.01.2025 PG Department of Commerce and Management organized a Seminar on Career Counselling & Preparation of Competitive Examination and ‘Interview Skills and Resume Writing’ in Smart Room. The resource person for the Seminar was Mr. Pardeep Singh, Chairman, IBT Institute. This Seminar was conducted to help the final year students to learn and apply the tactics, techniques and etiquettes necessary for a successful interview.

The seminar, initiated by Mr. Pradeep Singh, provided valuable insights on the significance of finance for all companies and the importance of time management for career achievers. Mr. Singh emphasized that finance is the "lifeblood" of all businesses, and that time is the only element that cannot be recovered. He advised students to prioritize their goals and focus on achieving them, as time is a limited resource.

Mr. Singh also discussed the importance of having a clear approach to crack competitive exams, suggesting that students should focus on what not to do, rather than what to do. He emphasized that by eliminating unnecessary tasks, students can achieve their goals more efficiently. Additionally, he highlighted the benefits of having a commerce background, which provides a wide range of job opportunities and career options, including government jobs, private jobs, family businesses, startups, and professional careers.

To illustrate the importance of focus, Mr. Singh engaged the students in an activity where they were asked to focus on their hands and then on his face. This activity demonstrated how focus can help individuals achieve their goals by blurring out irrelevant distractions. Mr. Singh also emphasized that failures can be stepping stones to success and that devotion to a goal can help individuals achieve it.

The seminar also covered the importance of good fund management, particularly for students who aspire to start their own businesses. Mr. Singh suggested that students watch shows like Shark Tank India to enhance their knowledge of business and finance. He also discussed government jobs, categorizing them into three main areas: State Level Jobs, Banking & Insurance Jobs, Central Government (SSC/ Railway) Jobs. He mentioned that there are many government job avenues for students if they crack competitive examinations. He also suggested that to crack competitive exams the main key is to learn and know “what not to do” as this will lead them to “do what is relevant.”

The seminar provided valuable insights and practical advice on the importance of finance, time management, and career development. It was an engaging and interactive approach-based session that helped students understand the significance of focus, goal setting.

VISUAL & VIRTUAL MARKETING BONANZA 06.11. 2024

On 6th November 2024, The PG Department of Commerce and Management organized a Visual and Virtual Marketing Bonanza for the students of Commerce. This was a competitive event that involved four activities namely - Collage Presentation on E- Commerce, Sales Promotional Tools, E- Posters & E logos Designing. The students were one week for preparation of their respective visual marketing aids. The submissions were displayed on 6th November 2024 and judgment was made by the faculty members of PG Department of Commerce & Management.

Prize winners were:

Activity 1: Collage Presentation on E- Commerce

First Prize-Neetu (B. Com Sem I), Second Prize- Jaanvi (B. Com Sem I), Third prize- Jasmine (B. Com Sem I)

Activity 2: Sales Promotional Tools

First Prize- Alisha Naaz (B. Com Sem III), Anisha (B. Com Sem III)

Second Prize- Sunakshi (B. Com FS Sem III), Lavanya (B. Com FS Sem III)

Third prize- Sandhya Gupta (B. Com Sem III), Palak (B. Com Sem III)

Consolation- Kamakshi (B.Com Sem III), Anita (B. Com Sem III), Rupali (B. Com Sem III), Seema (B. Com Sem III), Bhavika (B. Com FS Sem III), Mansi (B. Com Sem III), Neha (B. Com Sem III)

Activity 3: E-Logos {DIFFERENT BRANDS}

First Prize-Chahat (B. Com Sem V), Second Prize - Palak (B. Com Sem V), Third prize-Simranjeet (B. Com Sem V), Consolation -Palak (B. Com Sem V), Consolation- Khwahish (B. Com Sem V)

Activity 4: E-Posters {INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF BRANDS}

First Prize- Harmanpreet Kaur (M. Com Sem III), Anshika (B. Com FS Sem V), Second Prize - Vidhi Mohan (B. Com Sem V), Gurleen Kaur (B. Com Sem V), Third prize- Manmeet (M. Com Sem III), Kashish (B. Com Sem V), Consolation -Muskan Kalia (M. Com Sem III), Shweta Khushwaha (B. Com Sem V), Tanuja (M. Com Sem III) and Silvi (B. Com FS Sem V)

The objective behind this event was to make students competent in field of marketing, brand promotion, advertising, brand positioning, building brand image, attracting sales and focusing of vast purview of E-Commerce. It was resourceful exchange of ideas by students which instilled in them global understanding of brand image, network building, product advertising and brand positioning.

 

SLOGAN WRITING COMPETITION ON "WORLD TOURISM DAY 2024" 27.09.2024

 

On 27th September 2024, The PG Department of Commerce and Management organized a Slogan Writing Competition on the topic “Tourism and Peace” to celebrate “World Tourism Day 2024” for the students of B. Com, B. Com FS and M.Com. The World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27 to commemorate the adoption of the UNWTO's (United Nations World Tourism Organization) statutes in 1970. The theme “Tourism and Peace” emphasizes how travel, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism practices can contribute to conflict resolution, reconciliation, and the promotion of global peace. The students wrote creative slogans which were later displayed on the notice board. Prize winners were:

Lavanya and Harman Walia of B.Com FS Sem III bagged first prize. Silvi and Komal of B.Com Sem V and Mansi of B.Com Sem III got Second prize. Sunakshi, Hershey and Kamakshi of B.Com FS Sem III got third prize. Navneet Kaur of B.Com Sem I received a consolation prize.

The theme for World Tourism Day 2024, ‘Tourism and Peace,’ emphasizes the vital connection between tourism and peacebuilding The objective behind it was to raise awareness among the students to understand tourism's role in international cooperation, sustainable development,

and fostering cultural exchange. By this activity students gain deep insights about India's transformation with world-class infrastructure, doubling of airports, and enhanced connectivity, which will significantly impact tourism. It was resourceful exchange of ideas by

students which instilled in them global understanding of cuisines, culture, people, heritage and adventure.

CELEBRATED INDIAN WATER WEEK (17th - 21st Sept) BY BROADCASTING A DOCUMENTARY 'WHEN EVERY DROP COUNT'S'

 

On 18th September 2024 (Wednesday), PG Department of Commerce and Management celebrated 8th “Indian Water Week” (17 to 21st September) by broadcasting a documentary ‘When Every Drop Counts’. The objective of this event was to focus on sustainable development and international cooperation, an attempt to shape policies and strategies that will have a lasting impact on the future of India's water resources. The documentary was based on a case study of the Barmer district of Rajasthan.

The documentary showcased the hardships of the village of Barmer with respect to the water crisis. The film highlights how people in the unbearable heat of July are waiting for rain and perform a ritual where the villagers have chosen 10-year-old Chandu to become a frog who will call out to the rain God and tell him that every vessel in the village is empty. Further, he leads a procession collecting grains from every doorstep. They all come together, and in the end, they assemble near the dry village pond where the collection of grain and jaggery is cooked and offered to the rain God. The children finally get their sweet incentive, but after all the praying and merriment, it still does not rain. The clouds fly in and fly out. The focus of the video was on the struggle for drinking water in the Thar desert spread over the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, which is one of the hottest and driest regions in the world. The nature seems harsh in all quarters. It rains the least here in the country; there are no perennial rivers and groundwater is saline, and then there is this piped water supply from far off to wells.

The tanka stores here pure drinking water. In a good monsoon, a tanka can store anywhere between 30,000 litres and 100,000 litres of drinking water. 77-year-old Shmt. Madan Kaur, the district head of Barmer, has served in public life. The Barmer district received the award for excellence for effective initiative of tanka building under MGNREGA in 2011.

The documentary was raising an alarming concern about the future water crisis, how every drop of water counts, the endeavours we must do to save water, and how we can further go for harvesting the rainwater as the rivers and water streams are also declining in drinking water facilities. This event was attended by students of B Com Sem 1 and B Com FS Sem I and B.Com FS Sem III.

INNOVATIVE SEMINAR ON "SUCCESS UNLOCKED: THE ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET REVEALED".

 On 11th September 2024 (Wednesday), PG Department of Commerce and Management organized a Seminar on the topic "Success unlocked: the Entrepreneurial mindset revealed". The objective of this Innovative Seminar was to motivate the students and inspire them to pursue their careers as entrepreneurs by giving them deep insights on entrepreneurship. It was focused on removing the mental blocks of students and inspiring them to become better future entrepreneurs.

The resource person for the Seminar was a versatile personality, Mr. Charan Kamal is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, web developer and one of India’s top presenters in India. He has already helped hundreds of families around India to realize their dreams. His programs based on positive ideology and self-transformation with very powerful practical solutions have positively influenced thousands of lives. Mr. Charan Kamal initiated the session by narrating an inspirational story of how he has transformed his software-based business into a business worth of Rs. 5000 crores today. He further explained the role of inner power, willingness and healthy mind. He mentioned that in the current scenario of alarming stress and pressure; need is not to reduce stress rather need is to instil in young minds the strong willpower and develop in them a healthy mindset so that testing times do not shatter one’s aspirations and hopes. Defining success, he remarked that success simply means to achieve something and explained four essentials of success – Happiness, Health, Relationships, Financial Freedom.

By highlighting the life of APJ Abdul Kalam he said that dreams need to be aligned with some deadline so that one can achieve it. He urged the students to be hopeful and set definite goals for their big dreams. He shared that Havard university conducted a study on students where 84% students did not have any goals, 13% had some goals in their minds and 3% of them had clearly written definite goals. Ten years later, the results were compared and the category of 3% students were placed at the best positions of the city while category of 13% students were having better jobs than rest 84% which clearly highlighted the importance of setting written goals. He illustrated by citing examples of Dell company’s owner Michael Dell and Reliance group founder Dhirubhai Ambani as to how thinking big and being a visionary can change the attitude from being a job seeker to job creator. Essentials for successful entrepreneur include – never give up, born to rock, be a visionary, belief in self, do not fear failure, be confident. Citing the example of Thomas Alva Edison, he said an entrepreneur must look at life differently, be committed to work, have a positive outlook toward things, and try, try and keep trying until one succeeds. Further he explained that money follows the giving and learning attitude. As per him winners always have royal attitude of giving, learning, and a healthy mind. He added that mind is the creator and all discoveries, inventions, brands, products, softwares are created here. As per him - An entrepreneurial mindset leads to a healthy mind, commitment, positive attitude, appetite for stress and challenges because diamonds are made under heat and pressure. He also explained the steps for launching a product - clear idea, a project design, profit based business model and lab tested with good legal and government support. Talking about the financial assistance for start-ups he cited example of Narayana Murthy founder of Infosys started his business with Rs. 10,000 which has now grown into 10,000 crores company. He also discussed various financial schemes and programs for startups supported by the Government of India.

Mrs. Alka Sharma presented the Vote of thanks at the end. The stage was handled by Mrs. Shikha Puri, Dean, Commerce Club. 110 students of undergraduate and post graduate classes and the faculty members attended the program. The Seminar served as a knowledgeable and learning experience for students, that gave guidance and deep insights about entrepreneurship that will help them excel in their lives and attain their goals.

COMMERCE CLUB OF PCM SD COLLEGE FOR WOMEN CELEBRATES STUDENT INNOVATION IN POSTER MAKING 14.08.2024

 PG Department of Commerce and Management Organized Theme Based Poster Making Competition (14th August 2024).

The PG Department of Commerce and Management of PCM SD College for Women Jalandhar organized a poster-making competition for students of B.com regular and B.com FS. The topics for the poster-making competition were:

 India 2047: Viksit Bharat -B. Com I Year

 Digital India -B. Com II Year

 Your Dream Startup -B. Com III Year

This competition was organized to bring out students’ creativity and offered a platform for brainstorming and innovation to pour out their ideas. Students were given a set of rules to follow for this poster-making. Students submitted their posters by the 12th of August 2024 and the judgment was done on the 14th of August 2024.

The judgment was done by Dean Commerce Club, Mrs. Shikha Puri, Assistant Professor, PG Department of Commerce and Management.

A total of 48 students participated in the competition. It was a learning experience for students, whereby they got a chance to explore their creativity and bring out their hidden talent. The prize winners will be awarded with mementos, and all participants will be given certificates of participation in felicitation ceremony of commerce club.

DISCUSSION ON UNION BUDGET 2024 & IT PROVISION 24.07.2024

 

Income Tax Day, or Aaykar Divas, is celebrated in India every year on July 24. To commemorate the historical evolution of tax administration in India and the ongoing reforms that aim to enhance tax compliance and simplify the process for taxpayers, the PG Department of Commerce & Management of PCM SD College for Women, Jalandhar organized a lecture on various provisions of income tax as discussed in the budget 2024 for the students of B.com (R) Sem – I and B.com (FS) Sem – I.

The discussion was conducted keeping into consideration the income tax changes announced recently by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Union Budget speech as on 23rd July 2024. The students discussed changes including- new income tax slabs for FY 2024-25 and a hike in the standard deduction i.e. from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. Also, various provisions were discussed, the tax slab limit for 5% tax rate was changed from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. The students were given complete knowledge about new income tax regime tax slabs and comparison between the old tax regime and new tax regime.

To improve social security benefits, the budget also focused on creating skilled workforce wherein the top 500 companies were identified to give one year internship to the students, deduction of expenditure by employers towards NPS is proposed to be increased from 10 to 14 per cent of the employee’s salary, Introduction of simplified tax regimes without exemptions and deductions for corporate tax and personal income tax were some issues of discussion.

Total 36 students attended the lecture. The speakers were Mrs. Rachana Ralhan and Ms. Rohini Jairath from the PG Department of Commerce & Management. Students actively participated in the discussion and were keen to know about how income tax has changed under the new budget of 2024. It was a knowledgeable session for students and proved to be fruitful as they were made friendly with various aspects of income tax and budget.

Felicitation Ceremony on 23.04.2024

On 23^rd April, 2024, the PG Department of Commerce and Management of PCM SD College for Women, Jalandhar conducted Felicitation Ceremony of the Commerce Club. Dr. Mrs. Pooja Prashar, Principal, graced the occasion and presented trophies to the students for their hard work and year around service to the Commerce Department. 57 Students, in total, were awarded with trophies and certificates. The students who participated and brought laurels to the Department in various Inter College Competitions were also felicitated. Speaking on the occasion, madam Principal encouraged the students to always remember the values they have in grained at college which will help them etch a life embellished with success. Exhorting the students to carry on with their pursuit of excellence, Head of Department, Mrs. Alka Sharma, congratulated the members of Commerce Club. Overall, the ceremony was enjoyable and motivating experience for the students.