Financial Commissioner Education Department awarded Degree in Public Administration

Srinagar Mar 5: In a surprising move, the Financial Commissioner Education Department Shantmanu was awarded his Degree in Public Administration by the regional director IGNOU Srinagar during the 38th convocation organised at Tagore Hall Srinagar.

Shantmanu was the Guest of the Honour at the occasion who also received his degree certificate along with other students at the occasion.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the function Shantmanu said it was a mixed feeling which made him feel like a child and an adult at the same time.

"It was really a mixed feeling. This is the purpose of education. We should always realise that we are all learners in the vast ocean of this knowledge. But at the same time, we have to apply and use this knowledge, whatever we have got with us," he said. He said that Open University has gained throughout the world. "There are some people who are not able to attend regular classes. They have to attend classes all day and then give exams," he said.

He said for those who want to study and manage other works simultaneously, the concept of Open University has gained importance in their life.

"Especially the senior people who work elsewhere, there are some housewives who have responsibilities at home. There are some people who sit in shops and cannot leave their work. So, open University is for them," he said.

He said IGNOU is known as the champion of Open University.

"There are many other Open Universities in India. But IGNOU is considered to be the leader of all of them. IGNOU starts very good courses every year," he said.

When asked about the verifications done by the education department against teachers possessing distance mode degrees, Shantmanu said there were many Court cases pending with the department as well.

"For all practical purposes, IGNOU degrees or open institution degrees are supposed to be equivalent to the normal degrees," he said.

Shantmanu said that UPSC also recognizes IGNOU and others as well.

"So, there should not be any confusion in the validity of the IGNOU degrees. Still, if there is any doubt, it should be officially rectified," Shantmanu said.