Issues and challenges for Non Formal Education A case study of Indira Gandhi National open University (IGNOU) With Reference to J&K State

Abstract

Non formal education system is justifiably recognized today as an innovation. Countries world over are attempting to provide mass education by supplementing the formal delivery mechanism with alternate schooling popularly known as non formal system. The purpose was to radically reconstruct the existing system with a large scale programme of part time education for those who cannot attend schools specially from rural and remote areas. Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is a State located in extreme northern part of India with Pakistan, Afghanistan and China as border Countries. J&K is unique in its features in terms of geographical conditions, population, literacy, economy and other conditions (extreme cold climatic and terrorist activities). Jammu being one province of the State which has low resources and more expenditure, students have to travel long distances for School and Higher education. Radio is very popular medium in J&K State due to its geographical situation yet it is under utilised. Because of hilly geographical conditions of the State, Jammu Division of J&K State started with non formal education system as complementary to formal education system on 2nd October 1978 as a part of the 6th five year plan. With this back drop a case study of Jammu Division of J&K State was made with the twin objectives to : (1) examine type of Non Formal programmes introduce in J&K State and find their relevance. (2) suggest suitable policy measures in respect to delivery channels of IGNOU programmes for their effective implementation. Materials and Methodology (a) Design: The strategy, as envisaged was carried out by using survey technique in reference to a pilot study covering sample respondents. Universe of sample comprised of students pursuing Non Formal Progammes through IGNOU chosen from the study centres in Jammu University. (b) Tools and Techniques : A structured questionnaire based on Personal Interview Method was used for data collection. Analysis of data was done with the help of percentages calculated on the basis of responses of the respondents. (c) Result : The present study has far reaching educational implications, perhaps non formal education system can achieve the desired goals better by reaching to the un-reached through the channel of technology. The study further indicates that effective and efficient use of appropriate delivery mechanism especially the radio as a medium of information delivery seems to have significant effect to make non formal system of education worth while.