Author: Rakesh Koul – Former Sarpanch, Social Activist, Education Consultant & Freelance Journalist
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has played a transformative role in reshaping the educational landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. Beyond its academic excellence, IGNOU’s growth story in the region reflects a strong partnership among Government institutions, NGOs, and other organizations — building a framework of education that is accessible, inclusive, and affordable for all.
The Early Years – One Study Centre, One Vision (1998)
When the IGNOU Regional Centre, Jammu, was established in March 1998, it began its journey with only one Study Centre — No. 1201 — enrolling about 1,200 students. This single centre became the cornerstone of IGNOU’s mission in Jammu & Kashmir.
The first Coordinator, Prof. M. M. Mishra, laid the foundation for the distance learning system in the region. After his retirement, Prof. Ashok Aima — associated with IGNOU since 1996 — took charge in 2000 and successfully led the centre for nearly 15 years. Later, Prof. V. Mansotra carried the legacy forward, ensuring continuity and academic integrity.
It is important to note that Study Centre 1201 was not newly launched after 1990; it existed even before that. Its corresponding centre in Kashmir, 1202 (Srinagar), could not function effectively due to the outbreak of militancy in the Valley. During that turbulent period, SC 1201 in Jammu became the backbone of IGNOU’s network, keeping academic activities alive when most institutions in the Valley were non-functional.
Other centres in Kashmir such as 1202, 1203, 1209, and 1211 were later stabilized, but SC 1201 remained the nerve centre of IGNOU’s operations until the formal establishment of the Regional Centre Jammu, which received the code 12, while the newly formed Regional Centre Srinagar was given code 30.
Network Expansion – From One Centre to a Regional Grid
As IGNOU’s popularity and enrolment grew, it became vital to expand its presence across the districts of Jammu Division. Over time, a large and interconnected network of study centres was developed, bringing higher education to even the remotest hilly areas.
Some of the major centres include:
- SC 1206 – Govt. Degree College, Kathua
- SC 1207 – Govt. Degree College, Rajouri
- SC 1208 – Govt. Degree College, Poonch
- SC 1205 – Government Medical College, Jammu (for PGDMCH and other Health Programmes)
- SC 1213, 1214, 1215, 1217, 1219 (for Computer courses like CIC & BCA)
- SC 1232 – Government MAM College, Jammu
- SC 1285 – Government Women’s College, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu
- SC 1284 – Government Degree College, Ramban
- SC 1235 – Government Degree College, Doda
- SC 1268 – Government Degree College, Bhaderwah
- SC 1267 – Government Degree College, Kishtwar
- SC 1259 –Pvt. Degree College, Sunderbani
- SC 1280 – Bargawa Degree College, Samba
- SC 1212 – Department of Library Science (for MLIS & BLIS)
- SC 1204 – B.Ed Programme, B.Ed College, Canal Road, Jammu
- SC 1245 – PGDHHM Programme
Gradually, almost all Government Degree Colleges in Jammu Division became IGNOU partners, offering programmes ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate and professional levels.
NGO-Run Centres and Institutional Integration
In its earlier years, IGNOU also collaborated with several NGO-run Study Centres, which played an instrumental role in taking education to underserved and rural areas. These centres provided opportunities to learners who otherwise had limited access to formal institutions.
However, in recent years, IGNOU has streamlined its network, closing many NGO-managed centres and merging them with Government and Private Recognized Institutions. This restructuring has strengthened academic supervision, improved infrastructure, and ensured that all learners benefit from standardized facilities and resources.
Institutional Challenges and the Emergence of Two Regional Centres
At one point, there were attempts to shift the Jammu Regional Centre to Kashmir, but due to strong media intervention and academic support, the plan was halted. Subsequently, a separate Regional Centre (No. 30) was established in Srinagar, while Jammu retained Regional Centre No. 12.
Since then, IGNOU’s enrolment in the Union Territory has grown exponentially — from 1,200 learners in 1998 to nearly 15,000–25,000 students annually — reflecting its role as the leading provider of distance education in the region.
Coordination, Competition, and Growth
While the Srinagar Regional Centre occasionally outperformed Jammu in enrolment and programme diversification due to stable leadership, RC Jammu faced phases of administrative and staffing constraints. Nonetheless, through committed Regional Directors and dedicated academic counsellors, RC Jammu has rejuvenated its outreach, rebuilding its image and service quality.
New Programmes and Emerging Opportunities
IGNOU Headquarters, New Delhi, has recently launched several new professional and academic programmes, including:
- M.Sc. Environmental Science (MSCENV)
- M.J.M.C. (Journalism and Mass Communication)
- M.A. Anthropology (MAAN)
- M.A. Public Administration, Psychology, and Sociology (Revised versions)
While RC Srinagar implemented these swiftly, RC Jammu is now regaining momentum to ensure parity in academic delivery.
Education Beyond Boundaries – IGNOU in Jails
A unique initiative of IGNOU has been the establishment of Study Centres in Jails, offering educational opportunities to jail inmates. This programme aims at reformation, rehabilitation, and skill development of prisoners through education.
The details and impact of this initiative will be discussed in a separate forthcoming article, highlighting IGNOU’s humanitarian and reformative contribution to society.
Conclusion
From a single Study Centre in 1998 to a vast educational grid across the Union Territory, IGNOU has become a symbol of learning, inclusiveness, and hope in Jammu & Kashmir. Its collaboration with Government institutions, NGOs, and civil society has made education accessible to all — including those in remote, marginalized, and conflict-affected regions.
IGNOU’s journey in Jammu & Kashmir is not merely a story of institutional growth, but a living example of how education can transform communities, empower individuals, and sustain peace and progress.
