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The move on the part of Center of Distance Learning at the Osmania University to discontinue six courses is going to harm large numbers of students.
All these courses are yet to be recognized by the University Grants Commission.
It has been a few years since Prof. G Ram Reddy Centre for Distance Education continues to run courses like B Sc (Aviation), B Com (Computers), PG Diploma in Town and Country Planning, MA (Mass Communication and Journalism), MA (Public Administration), and MA (Vedic Astrology). All this is without obtaining the necessary permission of the UGC’s Distance Education Bureau.
There are close to 6,000 students who have finished their courses. The degrees obtained by them are not valid pursuing higher studies, leave alone the public sector jobs.
The director of the OU distance education centre, Mr. H. Venkateshwarlu said, “We had applied for permission to the Distance Education Council of IGNOU but, before our application was processed, the organisation had been dissolved paving the way for the formation of Distance Education Bureau. In 2012, we applied for permission but they made it clear that they would not recognise any new courses until open and distance learning guidelines are formed.”
“Almost all these courses are chosen by students for gaining knowledge and not as a means to getting employment. Vedic astrology course offers no employment opportunities in the public sector and journalism students mostly prefer private organizations. Our aim is to provide more opportunities to students as they have limited opportunities in regular education," said the director.
Further, he also informed that the university was planning to stop these courses from the following year because of lack of staff, and many other reasons. He said,”Members of journalism faculty have made it clear that they do not want to continue this course with the limited staff they have. Also, we have decided to put the remaining courses on hold till we get UGC permission so that students won’t suffer.”
”When we have applied for a job with the town planning board, 740 applicants were not allowed to sit for the examination because they got a diploma from the OU distance education center. We will take up this matter with the government. I did not ask whether they have UGC permission to run the course because I thought that it was foolish to ask silly questions,” said an affected student.
At present, there will be no more admissions to the following courses:
B.Sc (Aviation), B.Com (Computers), PG Diploma in Town & Country Planning, MA (Mass Comm & Journalism), MA (Public Admn), and MA (Vedic
