New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commissioner of Higher Education, Government of Madhya Pradesh (MP). This MoU is signed with an intention to offer certificate, diploma and associate degree programmes in Vocational and Skill Education through IGNOU’s community colleges.
In the same context, the Vice Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai said that the government has declared 2010-2020 as the 'Decade of Innovation'. He said that they need to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth in education and skill development. New solutions in many areas are necessary to reach such targets in expedient ways Mr Pillai said that they have the largest youth population in the world. He also added that they need to explore all the possible ways and means to provide them education and employable skills.
However, as per the sources, the MoU stated that the Community College will identify academic programmes to be offered in the community after the need-analysis of local job requirements and opportunities. Adding these findings into the curriculum, and if so required, shall take assistance from IGNOU in identifying the programmes. Programme delivery would be the key responsibility of the Community College.
The MoU also added that all the programmes offered by the Community College shall have enrollments twice a year i.e. July and January. Moreover, the term end examination will also be held twice a year i.e. in December and June. Programme-wise list of registered students shall be submitted to IGNOU within 15 days of completion of admissions, it concluded.
