New Delhi : : The Minister of Education, Government of India, Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan laid the Foundation Stone of the IGNOU Regional Centers buildings of RCs  Agartala and Jodhpur through virtual mode. The Hon'ble Minister addressed the students and staff on the occasion virtually.

Welcoming the Minister Director Regional Services Division Dr. Srikant Mohapatra IGNOU said that the IGNOU fraternity is grateful for his support and sparing time for the foundation laying ceremony.  

Congratulating IGNOU, the  Minister of Education, Government of India, . Dharmendra Pradhan in his address at the occasion said that  he is delighted to be present at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Regional centers in Agartala and Jodhpur which will cater to the growing needs of the eastern and western part of the country. He congratulated the University for having completed 36 years which he said has 3.2 million students in 67 RCs with 2047 learning centers across the country.

The  Minister said today learning should not only be to acquire occupational skill but also the competence to deal with many situations which are essential in the 21st century, i.e., critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making skills. He said he is glad to know that in consonance with NEP 2020 IGNOU has integrated vocational and skill education in its programs especially at the UG level under the choice based credit system.  The importance of distance education online learning has grown exponentially after the spread of the covid-19 pandemic.

Complimenting IGNOU for empowering the disadvantageous sections of the society he shared that during 2021 session' of the total enrollment of 7 Lakh plus students; 47% women learners and close to 15% students are from the ST/SC and OBC categories, 50% students live in rural areas and 1.5 % in the tribal areas. He added that he is hopeful that the regional centers in Jodhpur and Agartala would cater to the segments of the society which are socially and economically vulnerable groups both in the eastern and western corners of the country. He wished the University in the journey of reaching out to the masses to promote quality affordable and accessible education and learning. 

Prof. Nageshwar Rao, Vice-Chancellor in his address said that it is a historic occasion for us at IGNOU. Thanking the  Minister for laying the foundation stones of the RCs at Agartala and Jodhpur, Prof. Rao said that we would work together to achieve the goals set by the Ministry in fulfilling the larger objective of reaching 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio as is envisaged in National Education Policy 2020. He laid stress on using tech-enabled education and stressed on redefining RCs activities with better infrastructure. He also complimented the Regional Centers for their relentless work in realizing the dream of having their own building.

Prof. Nageshwar Rao also thanked the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for their help in this social cause of providing quality higher education through the construction of physical infrastructure for the university.

Prof. Satyakam, Pro-VC in his address reiterated the commitment of IGNOU to provide higher education to all the regions of India at affordable price and urged CPWD, the partner in the endeavor to adhere to the timelines and financial aspects for faster translation of the IGNOU's goal. Pro-VC, IGNOU Prof. R. P. Das in his address said it is necessary to have facilities at the Regional level to provide quality student services. Prof. Uma Knajilal, Pro-VC emphasized on embracing technology to become tech enabled and provide better services to learners by being Smart Regional Centers. Prof. Sumitra Kukreti, Pro-VC said that having its own infrastructure at key places of India will boost IGNOU's reach and coverage, providing quality education and also increasing the GER.
Director Regional Services Division, Dr. Srikant Mohapatra said it is a momentous occasion for IGNOU. Elaborating on the role of Regional Centers, he said that the RCs play a key role in disseminating information and are the first point of contact for learners.

Finance Officer, IGNOU Sh. Jitendra Gangwar in his address covered the financial aspects and how improved infrastructure will help in better return on investment for the country.

Regional Directors of Agartala and Jodhpur presented the RCs' fact-sheet and the transformation that could happen with the enhanced infrastructure.
The programme was conducted by Dr. K.D.Prasad RSD from the IGNOU Headquarters.  

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