Odisha signs MoU with IGNOU to launch courses in Odia

In a significant step toward promoting regional language education, Odisha’s Higher Education Department has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, to offer a wide range of academic programs in Odia.

As per the agreement, IGNOU will provide bachelor’s and master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, diplomas, certificates, and specialized courses such as travel and tourism management, BBA, MBA, and other professional programs in Odia across the state.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who was present as the chief guest at the signing ceremony on June 9, said, “Through this MoU, our students can now pursue higher education in Odia.”

He emphasized that offering programs in the mother tongue would help remove obstacles in education.

“Language or medium should no longer be a hindrance in access to higher education,” he said.

The minister added that the move aligns with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on regional language instruction.

The initiative is expected to enhance student creativity, lower dropout rates, and improve Odisha’s gross enrollment ratio in higher education.

The event was also attended by Higher Education Secretary Arvind Agarwal, department Special Secretary Ramakant Nayak, IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Uma Kanjilal, and Registrar Dr Alok Chaubey.