IGNOU attempts to make courses more inclusive

In a bid to make education more accessible for the underprivileged, the Indira Gandhi National Open University has developed a new programme — Ability Development and Inclusive Programme — to make sure that all those who want to pursue education, can do so.

In a bid to make education more accessible for the underprivileged, the Indira Gandhi National Open University has developed a new programme — Ability Development and Inclusive Programme — to make sure that all those who want to pursue education, can do so.

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The programme aims to reach those who do not know much about the various courses offered by the university, both on campus and through the distance-learning programme.

The university is also planning to tie up with non-governmental organisations who work with the underprivileged to apprise them of the opportunities they have.

"The fee for our BA course is only Rs 1,700 per annum. This is very affordable but people don't know about these things. We are trying to reach such people so that they also get access to higher education," said KD Prasad, regional director, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

Prasad added that the university will conduct monthly open house sessions to inform prospective students about various courses offered and course content. "We are also planning to open a career counselling unit at the YMCA centre on Jai Singh Road," he said.

Meanwhile, the biggest problem faced by students — that of late declaration of results — was also solved this time around. The university declared the result of three lakh students within 45 days. It would earlier take two-three months.