An Appraisal of ODL Interventions in Terrorism Affected Kashmir Valley

Abstract

The Open and Distance Learning system has been able to make a positive impact in the conflict-ridden communities of Kashmir valley in India. This part of the India has long been under the influence of armed militancy which drastically affected the access to higher education. The Open and Distance Learning systems started operating in this area with a modest beginning made by Directorate of Correspondence Courses but had a limited impact. IGNOU which is the largest provider of ODL Programmes in India started developing its network in Kashmir valley in 1999 with its unique approach based on collaboration and sharing of resources. The target groups dominantly composed of unemployed youth, school drop outs, working population, rural folks, women etc has traditionally been deprived of Higher education. This chapter describes the approach of IGNOU and its impact in such conflict-ridden societies which is worth replicating in similar socioeconomic setups across the developing world.