摘要：Open Distance Learning through IGNOU and ICT have been powerful supplements to traditional methods of teaching through colleges and universities to bolster access to higher education. The IGNOU programmes of late are being substantially curtailed causing dismay to discerning observers. The paper analyses the genesis and impact of programmes under ODL & IGNOU in terms of access, enrolment and quality and draws upon experience of other countries. It argues that through better management, more effective use of technology and impact skilled based training to students in remote areas would have employability and IGNOU can be a powerful cost effective knowledge dissemination programme will India's Global Competitive Index dipping substantially, there is a need for evolving a white paper by dispassionate stakeholders about the road forward for this prestigious programme instead of the present kneejerk reaction to throw the Baby with the Bathwater.
