IGNOU’s Open University Model to Get Major Boost Under NEP 2020, Says Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Jammu: The 38th Convocation of the IGNOU Regional Centre Jammu was held today, with Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, addressing the event virtually. He highlighted how the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will significantly strengthen the Open University Culture in India, providing greater flexibility and accessibility to learners from diverse backgrounds.

Dr. Singh praised Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for its transformative role in expanding education to those unable to access traditional academic institutions due to socio-economic constraints. He emphasized that NEP 2020 aligns perfectly with IGNOU’s modular programs, flexible entry-exit system, and choice-based credit structure, making it a pioneer in innovative education.

Reflecting on IGNOU’s journey since its inception in 1985, Dr. Singh noted its unprecedented growth, making it the largest university in the world in terms of student enrollment, with an A++ accreditation. He highlighted the university’s ability to cater to students with self-paced, multimedia-integrated learning models, ensuring education reaches every corner of the country and beyond.

He also commended IGNOU’s global presence, with 25 overseas study centers across 15 countries and its collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Central Hindi Directorate (CHD) to offer Basic Hindi Awareness programs to foreign nationals. Additionally, he mentioned IGNOU’s e-VidyaBharati and e-Aarogya Bharati (e-VBAB) Network Project, which has expanded online education in 19 African nations.

Highlighting government initiatives empowering youth, Dr. Singh spoke about Mudra Yojana, which provides collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh for aspiring entrepreneurs, and the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which supports traditional artisans with stipends and advanced toolkits. He also noted the specialized skill-based bachelor’s degree programs introduced by IGNOU to equip students for careers in defense services and beyond.

Recognizing the role of technology in modern education, Dr. Singh lauded IGNOU’s six SWAYAM PRABHA channels, offering students high-quality online educational resources. He also recalled the inauguration of IGNOU’s state-of-the-art Jammu campus on February 7, 2024, calling it a major milestone and a long-awaited dream since the center’s establishment in 1998. The Jammu Regional Centre has enrolled nearly 6 lakh students, with over 2 lakh learners joining since 2020.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Singh urged graduates to actively contribute toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, marking India’s 100 years of independence. He encouraged them to seize the opportunities of a rapidly evolving India and be key players in the country’s transformation.

The convocation marked a historic milestone, with 11,293 students from the IGNOU Regional Centre Jammu successfully completing their programs. Among them, 5,852 students graduated with bachelor’s degrees, 4,988 with master’s degrees, 316 received diplomas, and 137 were awarded certificates.