IGNOU degrees for armed forces personnel being released

The Army and IGNOU seems to have resolved the issue over grant of degrees to thousands of soldiers who are pursuing bachelor of science and commerce degrees through IGNOU's community college programme.
Over four lakh soldiers had enrolled in the 'Gyandeep' scheme in 2012 to pursue studies and earn degrees which would help them land with a promising job after their retirement.
Most of the men in uniform retire after 35 years of age.
The scheme was, however, put on hold and the award of certificates and release of mark sheets were stopped from March 2013, apparently by IGNOU VC M Aslam, who is currently facing a probe.

"The Army had subsequently sought the intervention of the HRD Minister Smriti Irani and following a meeting recently, it was decided to release the diplomas and certificates," said a HRD Ministry official.
Subsequently IGNOU has released 1,43,060 certificates for the Indian Air Force personnel and is in the process of releasing the marksheets of 2,67,881 Army personnel.

IGNOU has also decided to set up a committee which would hold discussions with the Armed forces for the launch of a new scheme to offer programmes to soldiers, the official said.
The IGNOU-Armed forces community college programme was part of an initiative of the national skills mission and national vocation education.

The scheme provided a gainful post retirement skill qualification for junior commissioned officers and below level and recognised armed forces training centres.
Till June, 4.21 lakh Army personnel were enrollled under the scheme and a total amount of fee received was Rs 34.25 crore.