Srinagar: Regional Director of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) on Friday said the news regarding the validity of the degree obtained in Masters of Science (Environmental Science -MSCENV) from IGNOU by some newspapers is factually incorrect and misleading.
In a statement, Regional Director Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar said the news which has created a lot of confusion among the students, is factually wrong, incorrect, and misleading.
“It is for the information of the general public, students, and stake holders that all programs offered by IGNOU including the MSCENV are duly recognized by UGC and in terms of the decision taken by UGC in its 550th meeting held on 18th February, 2021, the UGC has exempted IGNOU from the applicability of UGC (Open and Distance Learning programs and Online Programs) Regulations, 2020 w.e.f. academic session 2020-2021 and onwards,” reads the statement.
It reads further, all the Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates awarded by IGNOU are recognized by all the member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and are at par with the corresponding Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates issued by all Indian Universities, Deemed Universities and Institutions.
“IGNOU offers two programs in Environmental studies viz (1) Masters of Science (Environmental Science -MSCENV), (2) Master of Arts (Environmental Studies – MAEVS). The Masters of Science (Environmental Science -MSCENV) program is having lab course of 4-credits in the first three semesters and a dissertation/project of 8-credit course in the fourth semester as compulsory courses to complete the degree,” it added
