IGNOU Guwahati regional centre students facing dark future

The prestigious Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has turned to be earning a 'bad name' as far as its Guwahati Regional Centre is concerned. The students of this institution are heading towards a dark future in absence of proper guidance and reckless attitude of the officials, who are supposed to look after their students' career and bright future. According to the students, the regional centre is running under full anarchy. There is not a single responsible person, except the regional centre director, Mrs V. Bhattacharya, who has to remain for most of the times outside the city on her official assignments. It is alleged that the deputy director, second in position, does not take any responsibility to solve the problems of the students. He does not like to meet the students. Not only this, he has asked the office staff also not to receive any complaint from the students, if they try to lodge in writing.

The rules and regulations framed by the IGNOU, New Delhi, are not adhered to at the Guwahati centre. Normally the counseling sessions are supposed to be held at study centers on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). But at Guwahati centre does not follow the rules mentioned by the University. Here the classes are held according to the convenience of the faculty members, because all the faculty members are part timers. The purpose and benefits of distance education is over ruled.

It is also alleged that some of the faculty members insist on the students to go for coaching without which their success in exams was not possible.

Besides, the academic consultant has no specific timings to attend the office. On most of the occasions he is reported to be on leave. Even if he happens to face any student he finds himself helpless to solve his problem. Most of the students have not received the study materials till now although one semester exams are over. Some students having access to the Internet have complained that their mails sent to IGNOU Guwahati centre are bounced back as the mailbox is not regularly checked. In the meantime, a number of students have left the institution because of the affairs going on there. On the whole, the IGNOU Guwahati centre is running in a mess and playing with the future of the students. The students feel if the working of the IGNOU Guwahati centre is not improved immediately, the dark days are not at; distance for them who have chosen for the distance education under IGNOU.