The Indira Gandhi National Open University organised 16th Prof. G. Ram Reddy memorial lecture on the death anniversary of its founder vice-chancellor at its Convention Centre. Prof. (Dr.) C. P. Joshi, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways was the chief guest on the occasion, who delivered a lecture on ‘Rural Empowerment and Panchayati Raj Institutions’.
Before delivering his lecture he also inaugurated the new administration building. The Union Minister also activated the Remote Access to e-resources (RATE) after the end of the lecture. It authorise users both from on-campus and off-campus to get access to e-resources, e-journals, e-books from home, office, or from anywhere anytime.
Speaking about Dr Reddy the Minister said that Dr Reddy was a man of vision and it was it was through his efforts that students started getting quality education seating at distance places after the launch of this University. He also hoped that Vice-Chancellor Prof. V. N. Rajshekharan Pillai and his team will carry his dream forward.
Prof. C.P. Joshi suggested that Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) are playing a crucial role in the execution of educational projects and programmes in rural areas. They can also play a major role in development of distance education programmes in rural India. It is therefore important citizes start the process of communication with PRIs.
The Minister quoted what Prof. Ram Reddy had said in 1993, “Distance education is like the Panchayati Raj in governance. It enables decentralization and hence localisation and empowerment of common man. What is urgently needed is a decision for creating an empowerment system of education that is freed from single-minded persuit of wealth and is dedicated to nurturing the hidden potential within every individual member of society, a system designed to usher in a new and ever advancing civilisation”.
While praising the role of Panchayat , Mahatma Gandhi had said that a true democracy cannot function twenty people seating in the Centre. It should be run from base level and by the people of villages”, the minister added.
He further stated that the constitution recognised and revived Panchayati Raj Institutions through 73rd Constitutional Amendment act which encouraged periodic elections for them. Earlier it was under the disposition of the Government to hold elections or not. Former prime minister Late Rajiv Gandhi had called it “ revolution based on maximum democracy and maximum devolution. It is a revolution to put power in the hands of people”.
Prof. C.P. Joshi further felt that the weaker sections of the society mainly living in villages need proper education, water and electricity. The Government need to work on that and think on alternative mode of governance. The Government has introduced Right to employment, Right to Information Act (RTI). It shortly going to introduce right to food. The Government will also introduce Right to Health Bill.
In some of the state Panchayati Raj system is quite good. One of the example is that of Kerala. In Maharashtra and Gujarat Zila Parishad is powerful. The Minister stressed that economic system need proper panchayat. In cities one can find Ministries and other government offices but in villages there are only Gram Sevaks. The system needs to look and address their issues. The parliamentary system is very important for the progress of panchayat.
Delivering his welcome speech VC Prof. Rajasekharan Pillai said that over the years this country has grown worldwide. We collaborated with industries and defence forces and started degree programme with them.
With the remarkable achievements of Gyan Vani, Gyan Darshan and other internet connectivity sources of the university, it is considered to be the technological university in the country connecting millions of people. With thousands of telecenters soon coming up with the help of the university, it is going to be the national e-governance provider.” He added.
IGNOU also gave certificates to the contributers of ERP system. Describing about the system Prof Prof. Latha Pillai, Pro VC, IGNOU said, “We are the first central university to launch its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) which now has reduced the manual work of the university officials for the back office operations (like recruitment, leaves, sundry bills etc). Things which are meant to be done on a routine basis are now done with the help of ERP powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).”
Prof. G. Ram Reddy’s wife was also present during the Memorial lecture.
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