IGNOU increase community colleges from 160 to 500

Updated on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Coimbatore: IGNOU plans to increase the number of 'community' colleges from the present 160 to 500 across the country in next two years, its VC Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai said.

He was speaking after IGNOU launched its skill development programme through community colleges, at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Institute of Textile Management, here as part of bridging the gap in the skill levels currently prevailing in the apparel and garment industry.

As skilled labourers were below five per cent in labour-intensive industry like garment and construction, there was vast scope and potential for developing the skill level in apparel designing and manufacturing and make the garment industry globally competitive, Pillai said.

The National level community college concept was an alternative system of education where it facilitated skill development leading to employment, he said.

The V-C said around 50 community colleges in Tamil Nadu had already started offering own programmes. IGNOU would launch a post graduate diploma in Anti-Human Trafficking, in collaboration with NHRC and Home Ministry.

IGNOU has also evolved a scheme of providing five-year degree for Jawans in Indian Army, by which soldiers could become a graduate and get good placement after their retirement, he said.

IGNOU increase community colleges from 160 to 500

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