In a major development, the ministry of human resource development (MHRD) has notified that all degrees, diplomas and certificates, including those related to technical education, awarded through the open and distance learning (ODL) education, stand recognised for the purpose of employment to posts and services under the central government, provided they have been approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The ODL mode of education offered by universities established by an Act of Parliament or state legislature, institutions deemed to be universities under section 3 of UGC Act 1956, and institutions of national importance declared under an Act of Parliament would be considered as legitimate qualification for these jobs.
Terming the decision a big step towards encouragement of ODL education and also alleviating doubts relating to recognition of distance education qualification, a section of stakeholders said the move would help meet the gross enrolment ratio (GER) targets, among other things.
Experts have, however, cautioned that it is desirable that the regulatory vacuum in respect of the ODL should be removed first before proceeding with any major decision that could have large implications. The distance education council (DEC), an erstwhile regulatory body for ODL, has been dissolved by the government since May 2013 and efforts are still on to bring in new regulator.
Speaking with TOI on Sunday, Manikrao Salunkhe, vice-chancellor of the state-run Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University said the MHRD move recognising ODL education for central government jobs was in keeping with the global trends in education.
"At the global level, leading universities are promoting ODL mode of learning. In our country also this mode of education needs to gain more ground. The MHRD decision to uphold educational qualification of ODL learning for the central government jobs is expected to give much needed boost to this potentially mass mode of education," he said.
Ravi Bhardwaj, educational lawyer said the MHRD step would help meet the GER targets.
"Higher education in our country has experienced substantial growth but has failed to gain the required strength more so because it is dependent on conventional education which is highly capital-intensive. The need of the hour is to develop an alternative mode of education to supplement the conventional system of higher education through policy initiatives to facilitate expansion of higher education sector and recognise the qualifications earned through distance education for employability," he said.
Education counsellor Vivek Velankar said the Centre should bring in an effective regulatory body before introducing any reform in ODL mode of learning. "The ODL mode of education offers a range of benefits for learners, but unfortunately some elements use this mode for their own vested interests by literally selling degrees. To avoid such practices, the government should bring in place an effective regulatory framework."
The ODL mode of education offered by universities established by an Act of Parliament or state legislature, institutions deemed to be universities under section 3 of UGC Act 1956, and institutions of national importance declared under an Act of Parliament would be considered as legitimate qualification for these jobs.
Terming the decision a big step towards encouragement of ODL education and also alleviating doubts relating to recognition of distance education qualification, a section of stakeholders said the move would help meet the gross enrolment ratio (GER) targets, among other things.
Experts have, however, cautioned that it is desirable that the regulatory vacuum in respect of the ODL should be removed first before proceeding with any major decision that could have large implications. The distance education council (DEC), an erstwhile regulatory body for ODL, has been dissolved by the government since May 2013 and efforts are still on to bring in new regulator.
Speaking with TOI on Sunday, Manikrao Salunkhe, vice-chancellor of the state-run Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University said the MHRD move recognising ODL education for central government jobs was in keeping with the global trends in education.
"At the global level, leading universities are promoting ODL mode of learning. In our country also this mode of education needs to gain more ground. The MHRD decision to uphold educational qualification of ODL learning for the central government jobs is expected to give much needed boost to this potentially mass mode of education," he said.
Ravi Bhardwaj, educational lawyer said the MHRD step would help meet the GER targets.
"Higher education in our country has experienced substantial growth but has failed to gain the required strength more so because it is dependent on conventional education which is highly capital-intensive. The need of the hour is to develop an alternative mode of education to supplement the conventional system of higher education through policy initiatives to facilitate expansion of higher education sector and recognise the qualifications earned through distance education for employability," he said.
Education counsellor Vivek Velankar said the Centre should bring in an effective regulatory body before introducing any reform in ODL mode of learning. "The ODL mode of education offers a range of benefits for learners, but unfortunately some elements use this mode for their own vested interests by literally selling degrees. To avoid such practices, the government should bring in place an effective regulatory framework."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/ODL-education-recognised-for-central-government-jobs/articleshow/49041153.cms?
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