Insta
IGNOU To Be Exempt From UGC’s Distance Learning Norms: Commission Requests HRD Ministry To Issue Directions
Swarajya Staff
Dec 31, 2018, 02:57 PM | Updated 02:57 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has agreed to relax its distant learning regulations for Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), which offers open and distance learning programmes in various streams, reports Deccan Herald.
The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has reportedly been requested to issue a directive to keep the open-university outside the ambit of UGC (open and distance learning) Regulations, 2017 as a special case.
Taking note of the contributions made by IGNOU “in various areas of national importance and relevance” by providing “quality” distance education with an outreach across the country, the UGC has reportedly agreed to relax its norms.
The UGC and IGNOU had a difference of opinion over mandatory requirement to seek approval of the respective regulators including All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for offering professional courses such as MBA and MCA in the open distance-learning mode.
The board of management (BoM) of the IGNOU in 2016, however, resumed its M Phil and PhD programmes from the academic session of 2017-18 despite the UGC's ban.
The open-university, since then, had been demanding for amendments in the UGC regulations to enable it to offer the two programmes in distance education.
“Considering all the factors, the commission suggested that HRD ministry should be requested to issue a direction thereby keeping the IGNOU outside the ambit of the UGC (open and distance learning) Regulations, 2017,” an official was quoted in the report as saying.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.