IGNOU launches funding scheme

In a bid to encourage students and faculty to undertake research in several disciplines, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched a ?Research Project Funding Scheme? in its Distance Education programme.

In a bid to encourage students and faculty to undertake research in several disciplines, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched a ‘Research Project Funding Scheme’ in its Distance Education programme.

This ambitious project is being revived after a gap of five years. The Distance Education Council (DEC) aims to promote “excellence in teaching and research in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system” by supporting teachers and academics from all institutions of higher learning preferably open universities and distance education institutions by providing them financial assistance for undertaking research on the Open and Distance Learning system.

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Bridging the distance The Research Project Funding Scheme will be under IGNOU’s Distance Education Programme The scheme has been revived after a gap of five years The scheme will enable research by supporting teachers and academics financially The quantum of financial aid for a major project (three-years) will be Rs 2-10 lakh and for minor projects (1-2 years) Rs 2 lakh The funding under the scheme will extend to the research material to faculty overseeing the project

“The quantum of assistance for a major project will be Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, while minor projects will be allocated Rs 2 lakh,”confirmed IGNOU’s vice-chancellor Prof VN Rajasekharan Pillai, who is also the chairman, Distance Education Council.

“The grant will be given to several disciplines including science, agricultural sciences, health sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, commerce, management, education, law, online education, media, communication and satellite technology,” he added.

The projects which will cover a three-year period will be included under the major projects. Those projects lasting for one or two years will be in the category of minor projects.

“We will also launch a three-year junior fellowship programme in these disciplines. At the moment, we are in the process of earmarking these,” Pillai said.

The funds under the re-launched Research Project Funding Scheme will encompass all levels — from junior fellows to faculty overseeing their projects. Financial aid will also extend to the research material needed for the project.