IGNOU to launch 4 new DTH channels

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will soon launch four new Direct-To-Home channels for interactive and multimedia learning in an effort to increase its reach to a wider number of students.

The varsity is in the process of signing a MoU with the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) for the channels, likely to be inaugurated by August 15.

"HRD ministry has given the responsibility to IGNOU for running four DTH channels," the varsity said in a statement.

Along with the new channels, the university is restoring two channels of 'Gyan Darshan' which went off-air in October 2014 after they failed to pay dues.

"We have also restored two other TV channels and will be on the air soon. For that, we are constantly in touch with HRD, Prasar Bharti and I&B Ministry," an IGNOU official said.

A meeting scheduled next week will "make the picture clearer" but the administration was hopeful that all channels will be inaugurated by Independence Day, he added.

IGNOU, catering to over three lakh students through its bi-annual sessions, also offers Gyanvani FM channels to help students directly interact with its teachers.

The over 3,000 Learner Support Centres of the 31-year-old varsity are spread across India, including in the remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast.

These centres operate in 9 foreign languages and caters to a large number of NRIs and Indian Diaspora students, according to an official statement.

The varsity has also started its largest education portal 'Gyankosh' after a gap of two years.

This year, more than 1,22,000 students have applied for admission to the university and the last date for admission with a late fee is August 31.