Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 14: The University Grants Commission (UGC) in a recent notification has made it clear that the degrees or diplomas awarded via online modes or by Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions are to be treated equally as those awarded by regular institutions.
The commission highlighted the Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes Regulations 2020 which specifies, “Equivalence of qualification acquired through Conventional or Open and Distance Learning and online modes.”
Under this ordinance, it is mentioned that “Degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level in conformity with UGC notification on Specification of Degrees, 2014 and post graduate diplomas awarded through Open and Distance training mode and/or Online mode by Higher Educational Institutions, recognized by the Commission under these regulations, shall be treated as equivalent to the corresponding awards of the Degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level and post graduate diplomas offered through conventional mode.”
Earlier, UGC invited suggestions and comments from various stakeholders on draft amendments it prepared for ODL and online programmes. The initiative was taken to guarantee a simple ODL and online programme framework.
In a public notice, UGC announced, “Keeping in view National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendation to have Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50 per cent by 2035 and to further promote ODL and online education, UGC constituted an expert committee to review existing ODL and online regulatory framework while ensuring quality, driven by simplified recognition system and processes.”
“Earlier in 2021, IGNOU had become the first higher educational institute in the Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode to be accredited by NAAC and accorded A++ grade. This recognition of IGNOU Degrees at National and International level is a major achievement for the University and with this remarkable recognition and authentication of Open and Distance learning, IGNOU will play a pivotal role in carrying forward its mandate to take the quality higher education to all sections of society”, said Dr. Sandeep Gupta, Regional Director Incharge of the Regional Centre Jammu.
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