Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 22 Jan: In a significant step towards expanding access to quality distance education in Uttarakhand, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has officially designated Sardar Bhagwan Singh University (SBSU), Balawala, as a new Learner Support Centre (LSC) under the IGNOU Dehradun Regional Centre.
The establishment of the LSC marks a strategic expansion aimed at catering to the growing demand for flexible, professional, and vocational education in the Doon Valley. The centre will initially offer eight academic programmes with a focus on management, food safety, and agriculture.
Inaugurating the centre, Dr Anil Kumar Dimri, Senior Regional Director, IGNOU Dehradun, stated that the new LSC would strengthen IGNOU’s outreach by bringing industry-relevant programmes closer to learners, particularly working professionals and students seeking flexible learning opportunities.
Prof (Dr) Gaurav Deep Singh, President, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, described the occasion as a proud milestone for the institution. He noted that the collaboration aligns with the university’s mission of making higher education accessible and inclusive, enabling learners to acquire specialised skills without geographical constraints.
Congratulating the university on this achievement, Prof (Dr) J Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, SBS University, highlighted that the initiative is in consonance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, promoting multidisciplinary and skill-oriented education. He emphasised that the university’s academic ecosystem and research facilities would provide strong support to IGNOU learners through effective counselling and practical guidance.
Expressing her happiness on the occasion, Prof (Dr) Kumud Malhotra, IGNOU Programme Coordinator at SBS University, stated that the centre aims to bridge the gap between distance learning and hands-on academic support, ensuring a smooth and enriching learning experience for students.
The IGNOU Learner Support Centre at SBS University will function as a comprehensive facilitation point, offering counselling sessions, assignment submission facilities, and access to library resources. The initiative is expected to greatly benefit learners by reducing travel time and enhancing academic support for hundreds of IGNOU students in and around Dehradun.
