IGNOU's Andaman centre records 78 per cent retaining rate

Port Blair, Nov 3 (UNI) The Regional Centre of Indira Gandhi National Open University IGNOU in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have recorded 78 per cent retaining rate, which experts claim is an exceptional achievement.

''This is the first IGNOU centre in India to have such a retaining, I believe this is better than many full-time Universities,'' S Saunand, Regional Director IGNOU, Regional Centre, Port Blair told UNI today.

Saunand said that since the setting up of a full-fledged Regional Centre at Port Blair, things were improving, with more and more candidates showing interest in undergoing various courses offered by IGNOU.

More than this, the Port Blair Regional Centre has also recorded about 70 per cent attendance in term-end examination and more than 75 per cent attendance in any average examinations,'' the Regional Director added.

Many believe that because of lack of professional institutes in the remote islands, local students are attracted more towards the Open University system and as IGNOU is recognized all over, more and more students are getting themselves admitted in various courses.

The IGNOU centre of Port Blair was upgraded to a Regional Centre on March 27, 2006, and within the past one-and-a-half year, the Centre is bustling with students.

''Education brings silent revolution and only after 20 years can one come to appreciate its effect. We need to ensure that there is a long lasting effect on the students,'' the Director added.

The Regional Centre is also launching some special courses in these islands, considering the local needs. Presently, IGNOU is all set to launch training-based Agricultural related programs especially for remote&socio-economically marginalized rural mass in the islands.

''We are also expecting permission to start B Ed and M Ed courses from these islands,'' Saunand added.

UNI