Dharmendra Pradhan lays foundation stone of the IGNOU Regional Centers

NEW DELHI: Dharmendra Pradhan, union minister of education, laid the foundation stone of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centers buildings of Agartala and Jodhpur in online mode.

“Learning should not be just about acquiring occupational skill, competence should be developed to deal with the challenges of the 21st century, which includes critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills,” said Pradhan. He said that he was glad to learn that IGNOU programs are in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, integrating vocational and skill education in its programmes.

Hon'ble Minister Sh @dpradhanbjp in his address at the occasion of the Foundation Stone of the RC buildings of Agartala & Jodhpur mode said that he is glad to know that in consonance with NEP 2020 IGNOU has integrated vocational and skill education in its programs @EduMinOfIndia pic.twitter.com/x6LEPWJ22j

— IGNOU (@OfficialIGNOU) December 27, 2021

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He complimented IGNOU for empowering the disadvantaged sections of society. “In the 2021 session, more than 7 Lakh plus students enrolled. Out of this, 47 percent were women, around 15 percent were from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories. More than half of the students were from rural areas and about 1.5 percent of students hailed from tribal areas”, he said.

Foundation Stone of RC Jodhpur building laid by Hon'ble Minister of Education, Sh. @dpradhanbjp through virtual mode @EduMinOfIndia @IgnouVc pic.twitter.com/r4La0iLYoh

— IGNOU (@OfficialIGNOU) December 27, 2021

The regional centres in Jodhpur and Agartala aim to cater to the needs of the socially and economically vulnerable groups in the eastern and western parts of India.

“We will continue our efforts to fulfil the target set by the Ministry to achieve a 50 percent gross enrolment ratio,” said Nageshwar Rao, vice-chancellor of IGNOU. He further thanked the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for the construction of the physical infrastructure.

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“IGNOU is committed to making higher education available to every Indian at an affordable rate. CPWD should adhere to the timelines and financial aspects,” said Satyakam, pro-vice chancellor.

“We should embrace technology to become tech-enabled and provide an enhanced learning experience to young learners”, said Uma Knajilal, Pro-VC.

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IGNOU admission 2022 session has started. Candidates can apply for different courses at the IGNOU registration website- ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. IGNOU admission login can be done here. The deadline for the application for the January 2022 admission session is January 31, 2022.