The study centres being operated in the schools of the State will now be run by the Higher Education Department. The study centres have been shifted from schools to colleges in compliance with the University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017. In this connection, a contract was signed on Tuesday between MP Bhoj (Open) University and 186 colleges in the presence of Higher Education Minister Jitu Patwari.
Patwari said that this innovation is a meaningful initiative towards quality, affordable and distance education. Today the gross enrollment ratio in the state is much lower than that in Tamil Nadu, this is a challenge. He said that on the lines of Indira Gandhi Open University, now Bhoj University will also be able to provide higher education to students and working people, who left studies due to some reason.
Patwari said that through online education, anyone can get quality education anytime and anywhere. With this effort, we can also connect students from deprived tribal areas to higher education.
The Minister informed that to increase employment opportunities in the state, a Knowledge Commission is being set up to provide special preparation and training to students in computer, personality development, English language etc. Through this the students will be able to meet the demands of the industry and business world.
The Higher Education Minister informed that institutes of excellence will be opened in Indore, Ujjain, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Sagar, Gwalior, Jhabua, Khargone and Rewa on the lines of Institute of Excellence of Higher Education established in Bhopal. Also, a skill university will be established in the state. In this, students will be able to develop their skills through various courses and training as per traditional local skills as well as modern requirements.
Principal Secretary, Higher Education Hariranjan Rao said that the benefits of the study centre will reach such children, who cannot attend regular classes. He said that earlier the study centres were operated in schools but now this responsibility has been given to the universities. Rao said that it is our responsibility not to compromise on the quality of education and work with transparency.