IGNOU’s Diploma in Early Childhood Care now available in Odia

The Higher Education Department of Odisha has partnered with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to introduce a range of courses in Odia, starting with the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE).

The agreement was formalized on June 9 through a Memorandum of Understanding, under which IGNOU will offer undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, doctoral diploma, vocational, and management programs in the Odia language.

The Odia study material for the DECE program was officially released by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

Previously, the course was available only in English, Hindi, and Tamil.

The DECE is a one-year program open to students after Class 12, focusing on early childhood learning, child health, and nutrition.

It includes both theory and practical elements, with textbooks, audio lessons, and video tutorials designed to provide hands-on as well as academic learning.

“The introduction of DECE in Odia is a welcome step. This will particularly benefit Anganwadi workers and trainers, as well as preschool educators who can pursue the course in their mother tongue (Odia),” said Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.

She added that making the curriculum available in Odia will make learning simpler and more accessible, also helping individuals, voluntary organizations, and private schools engaged in early education.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said, “Early education forms the foundation of the entire education system. Strengthening it ensures a strong education framework as a whole. The DECE course offered by IGNOU will help develop the skills of educators, trainers, and workers engaged in early education, enabling them to provide learning through simple and practical methods.”

He also emphasized that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promotes education in the mother tongue and prioritizes strong early education.

He said this step would strengthen grassroots learning and further the goal of “Education for All.”

Anganwadi workers already enrolled in the diploma program joined the launch virtually and expressed their gratitude to the government and IGNOU.

The event was attended by senior officials, including Aravind Agrawal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department; Monisha Banerjee, Director of the Women & Child Development Department; and IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Prof Uma Kanjilal.