Draft report of

CHAPTER – 13

OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING SYSTEM
13.1 Introduction
The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) System has emerged as a vibrant and dynamic component of Higher Education Infrastructure in the country. It provides access to quality education to about 25 percent of the total population of learners in Higher Education sector. The system has demonstrated high levels of cost efficiency, flexibility and innovative applications of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and created educational opportunities for the vast multitudes of learners left un-served by the formal system.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on HRD in its 172^nd Report has recommended that for a vast country like India where accessibility to higher education is quite low, Open Universities have the vast potential for taking Higher Education to more and more people irrespective of different barriers. This system caters also for in-service persons for whom it is second chance as well as for regular learners. It, therefore needs to be provided greater thrust by integrating utility courses with personal development with socio-economic problems. The courses offered could be mainly job-oriented as far as possible. High priority should be given for opening more study organization particularly covering rural and remote areas with concentration of SCs/STs and other backward communities students.
The ODL System is in the 11^th plan period is expected to cater to about 40 percent of learner population in higher education. The system must also be prepared to take substantial responsibility to cater to the likely surge in the number of aspirants for Higher Education as a consequence of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, apart from reaching the un-reached, marginalized, disadvantaged and those hitherto excluded from the reach of educational provisions.
The objective, functions and responsibilities of IGNOU are unique. As the National University, it has to seek viable solutions to meet the escalating demand for higher education and training, especially in the emerging areas of knowledge and improve the quality of life of the people. It has taken the lead to establish the credibility and viability of open and distance learning in the country. The University, through the instrumentality of DEC, has the responsibility of developing and maintaining standards for distance education, and providing financial assistance to state open universities and the correspondence course institutions.
This proposed outlay to support the open and distance-learning system during the Eleventh Plan period is Rs. 8116 crore.
A brief description of the activity-wise achievements under Tenth Plan is given below: