National

Dr. Jitendra Singh Emphasizes IGNOU’s Impact on Revolutionizing the Education Landscape

Published

1 year ago

March 5, 2025

During the 38th Convocation of the IGNOU Jammu Regional Centre on Wednesday, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for its focus on integrating skills within the educational framework and assured that the ‘Open University Culture’ will greatly benefit from the initiatives outlined in NEP 2020.

Speaking virtually at the convocation, Dr. Singh emphasized IGNOU’s (Indira Gandhi National Open University) pivotal role in reshaping the educational landscape, especially for individuals who face socio-economic barriers to accessing traditional educational institutions.

He underscored how NEP 2020’s forward-thinking aspects, including flexible entry and exit points, choice-based credit systems, and a variety of learning opportunities, correspond with the goals of open universities like IGNOU.

Dr. Singh elaborated on the significance of NEP 2020 in allowing students to tailor their educational experiences, whether through subject changes or combinations based on personal interests and evolving job market demands—an approach already embraced by IGNOU.

The Union Minister commended IGNOU’s impressive growth since its establishment in 1985, noting that it has become the largest university in the world by enrollment and has received an A++ accreditation.

Highlighting key features of IGNOU’s offerings, such as flexible entry and exit options, modular design, and use of multimedia for learning, Dr. Singh remarked that these innovations cater to the diverse needs of students, allowing them to learn at their own pace and convenience.

“Many of these elements—like flexible degrees, choice-based credits, and the possibility to alter or combine subjects—are integral to NEP 2020, positioning IGNOU as a true trailblazer in the educational sector,” added Dr. Singh.

The Minister of Science and Technology further acknowledged IGNOU’s global outreach, referencing its 25 overseas study centers in 15 countries and its strong international presence. He also noted its collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Central Hindi Directorate (CHD), which provides a three-month online Basic Hindi Awareness program to foreign nationals in nine countries.

Moreover, he highlighted that through the e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati (e-VBAB) Network Project, IGNOU offers 45 online programs across 19 African nations.

Dr. Singh credited Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for facilitating a strategic partnership between IGNOU and the Open University of Kenya (OUK), thus enriching the global educational ecosystem.

In his remarks, Dr. Singh lauded government initiatives like the Mudra Yojana and PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which empower youth by offering self-employment and livelihood opportunities. He detailed how the Mudra Yojana provides skilled youth with collateral-free loans up to Rs 20 lakh to launch their businesses, while the PM Vishwakarma Yojana assists traditional artisans with advanced tools and training stipends, alleviating financial stress on their families.

He also touched upon the significance of skill development, particularly emphasizing specialized bachelor’s degree programs tailored for service in the defense forces.

Acknowledging the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in contemporary education, Dr. Singh commended IGNOU’s initiatives in technological integration. He specifically highlighted IGNOU’s six SWAYAM PRABHA channels that grant students access to quality educational content and resources online.

He expressed his satisfaction regarding the newly inaugurated state-of-the-art IGNOU campus in Jammu, calling it a major milestone for the region and a long-awaited dream since the center’s establishment in 1998. He described this new campus as a gift from Prime Minister Modi to the youth and aspiring learners in Jammu.

Dr. Singh further noted that nearly 6 lakh students have enrolled at the Jammu Regional Centre, with over 2 lakh joining since 2020.

In conclusion, Dr. Singh encouraged the youth to actively participate in realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, marking the 100th anniversary of India’s independence. “Today’s graduates are fortunate to witness India’s transformational journey, and I urge them to become part of this monumental quest for a brighter future for our nation,” he concluded.

National

Man Allegedly Kills Wife, Children, Teen Girl and Her Family

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hyderabad: A 35-year-old man, identified as Rajkumar, allegedly killed his wife, two young sons, a 17-year-old girl who had accused him of sexual harassment, and the girl’s mother and grandmother in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district.

Police said Rajkumar first killed his wife, Parvathi Saritha (30), and their two sons at their home in Shabad on Friday night. He then allegedly kidnapped the teenage girl, murdered her, and later killed her mother and grandmother.

The accused had been arrested in May under the POCSO Act for allegedly stalking and sexually harassing the girl. He was granted anticipatory bail about a week before the murders.

After the crime, Rajkumar reportedly called his father and confessed before switching off his phone. He is currently absconding, and police have launched a manhunt. The investigation is underway.

National

Wedding celebration Dispute for Served Chicken promising Mutton

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bihar: A wedding celebration in Bihar turned violent after a dispute over the food served at the reception. Around 12 people were injured in the clash.

The incident took place in Simri Bakhtiyarpur town of Saharsa district on Thursday.

According to officials, the nikah of Mohammad Abdullah alias Chand, son of Mohammad Anwar, was held with the daughter of Mohammad Javed alias Moto at around 3 pm. The wedding ceremony was completed peacefully.

The trouble began during the wedding feast. Members of the groom’s family claimed they had been promised mutton for the meal. However, they were served chicken instead.

The groom’s side objected to the change in the menu. This led to a heated argument between the two families. The argument soon turned into a physical fight.

Several people from both sides were involved in the clash. Some guests were allegedly beaten with sticks. Videos shared on social media also showed people waving swords during the violence.

Around 12 people suffered injuries in the incident. They were admitted to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Simri Bakhtiyarpur for treatment.

Police reached the venue and brought the situation under control. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

National

Daughter Held for Mother’s Murder; Father’s Death Also Under Scanner?

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Jaipur: A 23-year-old woman, Ayushi Sharma, who was arrested for allegedly plotting her mother’s murder to obtain a government job, is now facing fresh allegations linked to her father’s death.

Ayushi’s uncle has claimed that the death of her father, Vijay Sharma, may not have been natural. He has demanded a police investigation into the case. Police have started looking into the allegation.

According to the police, Ayushi planned the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, with the help of her uncle Mohan Swaroop and her relative Balram alias Ravi. The motive was to gain control of family property and secure her mother’s government job.

Police said the accused paid Rs.7 lakh to contract killers to carry out the murder. The attackers allegedly rammed an SUV into Neeraj Sharma and tried to make it look like a road accident.

Neeraj Sharma, 45, was working as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in a court. On July 3, she was returning home after dropping her son at tuition when a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly hit her near Pratap Nagar. She was thrown nearly 100 feet and died on the spot. The accused fled after the incident.

During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the area. They found that the incident was not an accident but a planned murder. The investigation later exposed the conspiracy.

Police have arrested seven people, including Ayushi Sharma, in connection with the case. One accused is still absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Police said Neeraj Sharma had received the government job on compassionate grounds after the death of her husband about a year ago. Investigators believe Ayushi wanted the job for herself. Police also said there had been a property dispute between the mother and daughter for the past two to three years.

During questioning, Ayushi allegedly told police that she wanted her late father’s government job. However, after his death, the job was given to her mother. She reportedly admitted that this disappointment, along with the property dispute, became the reason for planning the murder.