INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL OPEN 
UNIVERSITY
 

16.1 The Indira Gandhi National Open University was established in Sept. 1985 with the objectives, among others, to:

i) provide access to higher education to large segments of population, especially the disadvantaged groups;

ii) organise programmes of Continuing education to upgrade knowledge and skills; and

iii) initiate special programmes of higher education for specific target groups like people living in the backward regions, hilly areas, housewives, etc.

16.2 The University has already initiated the academic programmes. Two diploma courses were launched in January, 1987; one in Management and the other in Distance Education. The enrolment for both these programmes was over 4,500. Besides repeating both these programmes, the University started two new programmes from January, 1988. These are; a diploma course in creative writing and a certificate course in rural development. A preparatory programme for those who have no formal qualification to enable them to join the Bachelor's degree programme later this year also started in January, 1988. Over 10,000 students have registered for this programme after qualifying in an entrance test held in September, 1987.

16.3 The programmes in the pipeline include B.A./B.Com. courses for which admissions will be made in july, 1988. The undergraduate programmes of the University will comprise of a foundation course, core Courses in 2 or 3 subjects and an application-oriented component for skill development. Preparatory work and production of course material are in progress for diploma courses in computer education, Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science, special programmes for women (Pre-School Educatation, Nutrition and Dietetics, Child Psychology & Counselling). Tribal Education, undergraduate courses in Science, M.Tech. in Aeronautical Engineering for Air Force Officers and an orientation programme for higher education teachers. Instructional System and Student Support Services

16.4 The delivery system of the University consists of multi- media packages involving printed material, audio and video cassettes at the study Centres and programmes of advising and counselling for students. Study Centres are an integral part of the student support services. Part-time tutors and guides will offer counselling and advice. Study Centres will also have all the materials produced by the University and viewing facilities for audio and video programme. These Centres will function normally on holidays or in the evenings on working days. 80 study Centres have so far been set up. To supervise the function- ing of these Centres, 6 Regional Centres have also been established.

Other Open Universities

16.5 Apart from the Andhra Pradesh Open University which started in 1982, two more State Universities have been established in 1987. These are the Nalanda Open University in Bihar and the Kota Open University in Rajasthan. Under its Act, the IGNOU is also responsible for coordination of Open Universities and for maintenance of the Open University system.

16.6 The IGNOU has developed detailed guidelines for establishment of Open Universities. These guidelines have been communicated to all the State Governments as recommended by the CABE at its last meeting. A Coordination Council of Open Universities has also been set tip by the IGNOU.

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