3 states approach IGNOU for imparting skills to youths

After the Bihar government signed an agreement with IGNOU for undertaking a major project for empowerment of teachers and youths in the state, three other states have approached the university for starting similar ventures.

After the Bihar government signed an agreement with IGNOU for undertaking a major project for empowerment of teachers and youths in the state, three other states have approached the university for starting similar ventures.

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Madhya Pradesh, Chhattishgarh and Jharkhand have approached the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for starting projects for imparting skill development to youths and grooming the untrained teachers.

"We have signed an MoU with Bihar for a mega project for imparting skills and knowledge to youths, teachers and Anganwadi workers. Now, three other states have come forward for starting similar projects in partnership with us. We are negotiating with them," IGNOU vice-chancellor V N Rajasekharan Pillai told PTI.

The university has recently signed an MoU with the Bihar government for providing various educational and training programmes to 2.4 lakh untrained teachers, 20 lakh government employees and Anganwadi staff and youths.

The Rs 434 crore project, called 'Samarth', will continue for six years, Pillai said.

Asked about reports of irregularities in the MoU, Pillai said all formalities have been followed in signing of the agreement. He said the university had started negotiation with the state two years ago. The board of management of IGNOU has approved the project last year.