Tie up between DU, IGNOU and UGC in offing

New Delhi, May 12 (UNI) The Delhi University (DU), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) may soon enter into partnership to give a new dimension to the education system in the country.

Making this announcement at the "National Seminar-cum-workshop on 'Convergence of Conventional and Distance Modes of Education" and National launch of "Training of Academic Counsellors for the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) System", which began here today, Union Minister of State for Education D Purandeswari said,''In the 11th Plan, we have proposed for inclusive education for inclusive growth, and for a nation-wide movement towards information literacy and massive workforce training.

If we have to achieve the target of about 15 per cent of the relevant age group to be in higher education, we have to devise strategies such that every educated youth is capable of gainful employment and contributing to national development.'' The participants at the seminar, including secretary in the Ministry of HRD R P Agarwal, Chairman UGC, Sukdheo Thorat, IGNOU VC V N Rajasekharan Pillai, VC of Delhi university Deepak Pental and Joint Secretary, Distance Learning in the HRD Ministry N K Sinha were unanimous in their view that it was essential to converge the conventional tools of education with the information and communication technology of Open and Distance Learning where cost can be minimised and quality enhanced.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai said the conventional teacher can use the technology to reach the unreached through the Hi-Tech facilities of IGNOU.

To be held till May 26, the seminar was to be inaugurated by Union Minister for HRD Arjun Singh but he could not make it as he was unwell.

UNI