Bhubaneswar: In a landmark move to promote regional language-based learning, the Higher Education Department of the Government of Odisha has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, to offer a wide range of academic programmes in the Odia language.
The collaboration will enable IGNOU to offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, postgraduate diplomas, diplomas, certificates, and specialised courses such as BBA, MBA, and Travel & Tourism Management in the Odia medium. The initiative aims to make higher education more inclusive and accessible to Odia-speaking students across the state.
Attending the MoU signing ceremony, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj highlighted the significance of the agreement. “Through this MoU, our students will now have the opportunity to pursue higher education in their mother tongue. Language should never be a barrier to learning,” he said.
Suraj noted that the move aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises the importance of imparting education in regional languages. “This will empower students, boost creativity, and reduce dropout rates,” he added. “It is also expected to significantly increase Odisha’s gross enrolment ratio in higher education.”
The initiative has been widely welcomed by students from various higher education institutions, many of whom believe that learning in the Odia language will enhance their comprehension and academic performance.
The event was also attended by Arvind Agarwal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Higher Education Department; Special Secretary Ramakant Nayak; IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Uma Kanjilal; and Registrar Dr. Alok Chaubey.
