In a first of a kind initiative in the state, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (Ignou) will begin special study centres in those institutes functioning under the Kerala State Wakf board.
This unique initiative by Ignou is aimed at extending education to the religious minorities in the state. According to M Rajesh, Ignou regional director, discussions in this regard were held with the Wakf board recently. “The Wakf board, which is an umbrella agency, has agreed to identify either Madrassas or other institutes functioning under their ambit where we can start our courses. Initially, we planned to identify the Madrassas on our own. But since there are a number of such institutes functioning across Kerala and it was difficult to trace them, our plans were held up for some time. This is why we approached the Wakf board who expressed their willingness in this regard”, Rajesh said.
Family counselling courses and certificate in functional Arabic will initally be started at these insitutes. Till now, Ignou courses in Kerala are mostly functioning at full fledged institutes. “There are similar special study centres functioning at Madrassas in Maharashtra and Northern states of India”, he said.
According to functionaries with the Wakf board, they will soon start identifying these institutions.
“We may begin with the institutes in Manjeri, Thrissur and Malappuram. Ignou does not have much study centres in these places and these areas would be ideal to start the courses at the centres which will be affiliated to Ignou”, said B M Jalaal, Chief Executive Officer, Kerala State Wakf board. As part of Ignou’s policy, it aims to reach out to those institutes that don’t have much exposure.
“Even though we are currently only in the discussion stages, we are hoping to start our courses at the Madrassas within seven months”, M Rajesh said.
Ignou officials also point out that a lot of issues have to be taken into consideration before starting such special study centres. “Even though the Wakf board will identify these institutes, we have to first study whether these places have all the facilities where our courses can be taught.
Good infrastructure including sufficient study space, exam centres and trained teachers are a must. Ignou cannot afford to provide the trained teachers since we also face acute staff shortage.
Therefore, we have to ensure that all these facilities are available before starting our courses here.