Dr B R Ambedkar Open University convocation on Mar 29

Hyderabad, Mar 25 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Governor and University Chancellor N D Tiwari will be the Chief Guest at the 16th convocation of the Dr B R Ambedkar Open University, to be held here on March 29.

Addressing a press conference here today, University Vice-Chancellor Prof O R Reddy said an interesting feature of this year's convocation was that 37 prisoners would receive their degrees.

Twelve prisoners from Cherlapally Central prison, 11 from Rajahmundry Central prison and 14 from Warangal Central prison would get their degrees, he said.

One of the prisoners and BA student B Ravi would receive 'Book Prize' from the Governor for securing highest aggregate marks from among the student prisoners in the state, he added.

As many as 15,020 candidates were eligible for receiving degrees/diplomas during the convocation, he said, adding, the University would award 26 gold medals for securing highest marks and two 'Book Prizes' in various subjects.

Prof Reddy said the University would soon notify the launch of new programmes in MA (Telugu), MA (Hindi), M Sc (Botany), M Sc (Physics) M Sc (Chemistry), M Sc (Zoology) and M Sc (Environmental Studies).

The University would develop programmes in Computer-aided Accountancy and Retail Management in addition to a Bachelor's Degree in Business Entrepreneurship, he said, adding, the University had already launched M Phil and Ph D programmes in ten subjects.

The Vice-Chancellor said the University proposed to launch short term need-based vocational programmes and certificate programmes in different skill development areas such as School Librarianship and English Communication skills, Anchoring, Dubbing, Voice-Over, Translation Studies and Tourism and Cultural Heritage with the support of Distance Education Council (IGNOU, New Delhi).

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed for re-launching the Bachelor's programme in Hotel Management, he added.

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