Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, affirmed that the ‘Open University Culture’ will receive a significant boost from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the 38th Convocation of the IGNOU Regional Centre Jammu today.
Addressing the convocation in online mode, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the role of IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) in transforming the education landscape, particularly for those unable to access formal educational setups due to socio-economic constraints. He emphasized that NEP 2020’s progressive features, such as flexible entry and exit, choice-based credit systems, and diverse learning opportunities, align with the objectives of Open Universities like IGNOU.
Dr. Jitendra Singh elaborated on the importance of NEP 2020 in enabling students to diversify their learning paths by changing subjects or combining them based on personal choice and changing employment needs—an approach already practiced by IGNOU.
The Minister expressed his admiration for IGNOU’s remarkable growth since its inception in 1985. He underscored that it is now the largest university in the world by student enrollment and has earned an A++ accreditation.
Highlighting key features of IGNOU’s programs, such as flexible entry and exit, modular program design, and multimedia-based learning, Dr. Singh noted that these innovations cater to students’ diverse needs, enabling them to learn at their own pace and convenience.
“Many of these features, including flexible degrees, choice-based credits, and the ability to change or combine subjects, are incorporated into NEP 2020, making IGNOU a true pioneer in the educational landscape,” said Dr. Singh.
The Science and technology Minister praised IGNOU for its global outreach, citing its 25 overseas study centers in 15 countries, with a robust international presence. Additionally, IGNOU’s collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Central Hindi Directorate (CHD) to offer a three-month online Basic Hindi Awareness program to foreign nationals in nine countries was also acknowledged.
Furthermore, he noted that through the e-VidyaBharati and e-Aarogya Bharati (e-VBAB) Network Project, 45 online programs are being offered in 19 African countries.
Dr. Singh also credited Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for securing a strategic alliance between IGNOU and the Open University of Kenya (OUK), enhancing the global education ecosystem.
During his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed government initiatives such as the Mudra Yojana and PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which empower youth by providing self-employment and livelihood opportunities. He explained that the Mudra Yojana offers skilled youth collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 20 lakhs to start their ventures, while the PM Vishwakarma Yojana supports traditional artisans by providing advanced toolkits and stipends during training, easing the financial burden on their families. Dr. Singh also emphasized the importance of skill development and recognized the special skill-based bachelor’s degree programs designed to enhance the skills required for serving in the defense forces.
Acknowledging the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in modern education, Dr. Singh lauded IGNOU’s efforts in integrating technology into learning. He specifically mentioned the six SWAYAM PRABHA channels operated by IGNOU, which provide students with access to quality educational content and resources online.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his delight and satisfaction with the new state-of-the-art IGNOU campus in Jammu, inaugurated on February 7, 2024, calling it a significant milestone for the region. Recalling that the establishment of the campus was a long-awaited dream since the center’s inception in 1998, he described the new campus as a gift from Prime Minister Modi to the youth and aspiring learners of Jammu. He further highlighted the cumulative enrollment of nearly 6 lakh students at the Jammu Regional Centre, with over 2 lakh learners enrolled since 2020.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Singh urged the youth to contribute actively to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi for the year 2047, marking the centenary of India’s independence. “Today’s graduates are the fortunate ones who are witnessing India’s transformative growth, and I urge them to be a part of this monumental journey toward a brighter future for the nation,” Dr. Singh concluded.
38th Convocation – A Historic Moment for 11,293 Graduates
A total of 11,293 students from the IGNOU Regional Centre Jammu successfully completed their respective programs, marking a significant achievement. The program-wise breakdown of the successful graduates is as follows: Bachelors: 5,852, Masters: 4,988, Diplomas: 316, Certificates: 137
