KARACHI, Jan 14: The first ever examinations under the compulsory computer literacy programme, in all those public sector colleges and higher secondary schools where the system has been introduced, will start in March.

The Board of Intermediate Education has already notified the examination schedules and preparation of papers is underway, a press release issued by the Sindh Education Department said on Monday.

Another press release, referring to a news item published in a section of the press, stated that the information technology cell of the department had invited tenders for the supply of P-III computers to the colleges in March 2001.

Six companies had offered bids, which were opened on April 17, 2001, under a set procedure but were cancelled as the rates were found higher than the market rates.

In pursuance of the decision of the purchase committee, fresh gallop tenders were invited and opened on May 23, 2001. Five companies had participated in the bids and the company that had offered lowest rates, was issued the supply orders.—PPI