IGNOU to undertake Action Education Programmes

New Delhi, Oct 24 (UNI) Indira Gandhi National Open University's (IGNOU) new Chair for Sustainable Development would undertake Action Education Programmes in five major eco-systems in the country, to build training material based on field studies.

IGNOU Vice Chancellor V N Rajasekharan Pillai said the five agro-economic regions would be Hill, Arid, Semi-Arid, Coastal and Irrigated Areas.

''Besides the Action Research Sustainable Development Projects, which would focus on pro-nature, pro-poor, pro-women and pro-employment aspects,'' he added.

The Chair, headed by Prof M S Swaminathan, will also undertake capacity building in the new area of Sustainability Science which would include creation of various courses and training programmes for all levels of scientists and decision makers.

''It will also provide inputs for national policies on sustainable development based on Action Research and field studies to the concerned government decision-making bodies and agencies,'' an IGNOU official said.

The Chair will support and organize public education programmes through IGNOU resources, including Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani and as well as other mass media options.

Sensitisation workshops to create awareness about sustainable development in its different dimensions, which include environment, economics, equity, energy, employment, besides the technological, social and ethical components would also be organised.

IGNOU's initiative through the setting up of the Chair for Sustainable Development and its various activities in collaboration with partner institutions in the public, private and the non-government sectors is expected to give a new momentum to the National Movement of Sustainable Development.

A National Core Committee for the Chair for Sustainable Development has been constituted which recently met.

The committee consists of high-level representatives from major government and non-governmental organisations which include Planning Commission, Ministry of Information, The Energy Resource Institute (TERI), Centre for Science and Environment, Development Alternatives. International Development Research Centre.

UNI