IGNOU enrolls 40,000 candidates in Kashmir annually

By Syed Nashir Ali Gillani

Srinagar, May 31: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has been enrolling 40,000 students per year for various courses at its Kashmir centre.
Addressing media persons, IGNOU’s Regional Director, Kashmir, Dr Mokbul Ali Laskar, said the interest towards higher studies has been growing among the youth.
He said their aim has always been to provide education to the people at their doorsteps, especially to those with limited access to education in the rural areas.
“At present, around 23 study centres are working in the valley including in Ladakh. In near future, we would be opening more study centres including at Beerwah and Budgam,” he said.
Assistant Regional Director, Dr Kamlesh Meena, said this session the centre would start three more courses including certificate course in first aid, diploma in event management, and certificate course in tribal studies.
“The aim of introducing these courses is to develop knowledge and skills about first aid. To enable the learners to recognise the symptoms or conditions that requires first aid. To develop the ability of dealing with emergency situations,” he said.
For those who have left their studies after 10th and are desirous of pursuing higher education, he said, they can join their six month preparatory BBP programme.
“After passing the preparatory course, they can join the undergraduate courses,” he said.
Regarding the upcoming examinations, he said full arrangements have been made.
“June term examination is starting from June 1. Around 120 observers have been appointed to conduct the examination in a cordial atmosphere,” he said.
He said that IGNOU’s Srinagar Centre has established 23 centres for the examination including one jail centre at Srinagar central jail for jail inmates.
He added that more than 22,000 learners will appear in the June term examination.