Open and Distance Learning Education Its Scope and Constraints in Indian Scenario

Abstract

Open and Distance Learning system of education had grown tremendously around the world by 1960. It was started also in India in the form of correspondence course or distance education by some traditional Universities like Delhi University (since 1962). The system was encouraged in early eighties when Union Government passed a bill to establish a central University in the name of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1985. The Distance Education Council (DEC) was also set up under the same Act to coordinate among the distance learning institute and maintain standard of education on the all India level. Since then ODL system is doing well under the leadership of the central Open University IGNOU. In a developing country like India many real problems arise in implementing Government policy. However, sorting out of problems and discovering probable solutions are also done continuously. This paper is dealing with the benefits, success, drawbacks and some suggestions to overcome the present problems faced by ODL system in India.