‘This will boost science education in border areas’
Aarif Maqbool
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has long been recognised for its commitment to accessibility, affordability, and flexibility in higher education. The core philosophy of IGNOU is to reach the unreached and make education feasible for students from remote and far-flung areas. However, the absence of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) programme at IGNOU Study Centre GDC Handwara (30014) or GDC Kupwara (30012) has become a serious concern for science aspirants in north Kashmir.
At present, IGNOU BSc students from Kupwara, Handwara, Keran, Karnah, Lolab and adjoining areas are compelled to travel nearly 50 to 100 kilometres to reach the IGNOU Study Centre GDC Sopore for counselling sessions and, more importantly, for practical classes. This long and costly travel is not only physically exhausting but also financially burdensome, especially for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Science programmes require practical/lab work and academic interaction. When such essential components are located far away, it defeats the very purpose of open and distance learning. Many deserving students either hesitate or completely drop the idea of enrolling in the BSc programme due to distance, safety concerns, and travel expenses. As a result, the potential of IGNOU to democratise science education in border and rural districts remains underutilised.
GDC Handwara and GDC Kupwara are well-established government institutions with adequate infrastructure and laboratories. Launching the BSc programme at either of these study centres would significantly reduce the hardship faced by students and encourage higher enrolment in science courses. It would also align with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises inclusiveness, regional balance, and access to quality education.
The demand for a BSc programme in Kupwara district is genuine, long-standing, and student-centric. Establishing the programme locally will not only save time and resources for students but will also promote scientific temper and skill development in a region that needs greater academic opportunities.
In this regard, we earnestly request the Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, Prof Uma Kanjilal, the Director (Regional Services Division), and the Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar, to kindly consider and approve the launch of the BSc programme at Study Centre GDC Handwara (30012) or GDC Kupwara (30014). Such a step will be a true reflection of IGNOU’s vision of inclusive and accessible education for all.
Providing nearby study centres for science programmes is not merely an administrative decision; it is an investment in the future of thousands of students who aspire to pursue higher education without undue hardship.
co******************@***oo.com