ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
 

The Chairperson and Members of the Core Group owe a debt of gratitude to the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, for giving them an opportunity to explore an innovative and promising area in the interlinked field of educa- tion and productivity. Standing on the threshold of the 8th Plan as we are, we look upon open learning as one of the important stimulators of relevant education and desirable socioeconomic change focused on equity and productivity. We hope that this exploratory exercise leads to further thought and action in this area of urgent national concern.

The expert invitees who joined us in our discussion gave their time and advice without stint. We thank them all. As to the members, we must make a special mention of Dr. Takawle, Fr. Kunnunkal and Dr. M. Mukhopadhyay who pro- vided theme papers for our discussions. We must place on record our thanks to Dr. Jayant Patil, Member (Agriculture and Rural Development), Planning Commission, who took time away from his busy schedule and gave valuable suggestions to the Group. From the first session to the last the deep concern of Prof. Satya Bhushan for taking education to the `left-outs' influenced our deliberations. We appreciate his help most sin- cerely. The labour put in by Shri M.R. Kolhatkar, Member- Convener, deserves praise. We thank the Director, Indian Institute of Education who provided all facilities for our second meeting held in Pune at the Institute. We also thank Shri M. Kumaran and Shri B.D. Kaushik who typed the Report on computer as also the secretarial assistance provided by other personal staff of the Member (Convener) and the Chairperson of the Core Group.

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