It gives me immense pleasure to reminiscently look at the phenomenal progress of Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University, named in honour of the legendary King “Raja Bhoj”. The MPBOU came into being in 1991 under an act of Legislative Assembly. MPBOU provides an opportunity to many, who for one reason or another either could not have or have not had access to any means of higher education and need based vocational education. Being the premier Open University in the Country MPBOU has not only served as a model for the other open universities set up in the country but has also established its credibility in laying down systems and methodologies for effective dissemination of distance education. MPBOU imparts distance education through very effective application of information and communication technology. The University is capable of communicating with its largest students of the community and counsellors through various flexible means suited to the open and distance mode using modern technologies such as EDUSAT, Wide Area Network (WAN) Teleconferencing and Gyan Vani etc. Effective measures are being taken to enhance the various services provided by the university to the students. Continuous and concerted efforts are being made to develop more effective self-instructional study material, supportive electronic material (such as Audio-Video programme) computer aided learning facilities,for providing support ti its distance learner. We are offering innovative need based and job oriented programmes to the distance learners so as to expose them to the most modern disciplines and on the other, creating the necessary infrastructure (both physical and academic) so as to enable the learners to access high quality academic programmes at their doorsteps. The University presently offers Diploma, Degree, Certificate and Research Programmes in Basic Sciences, Computer Sciences, IT, Arts, Commerce, Nursing, Health Sciences and Social Sciences with an annual enrolment of about 1.5 lac students. It has 11 regional centres and 1 sub-regional centre. The headquarter of the University is located at Bhopal. The university has a network of 1049 study centres spread throughout different parts of the country forms the learner support services. A large number of innovative and qualitative programmes are being developed by the University which will significantly contribute for development of useful human resource. We are gearing-up to extend our reach through collaborations and partnerships with renowned institutions engaged in training and education in India. I am grateful for the valuable support and guidance received from His Excellency Governor and Chancellor, Hon’ble Chief Minister and respected Minister for Higher Education. I am also thankful to the Distance Education Council and its Chairman for showing generosity for financial grants and assistance. I congratulate all those who have contributed to the growth and development of Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University and expect support to achieve the goal as defined in the objectives by act. I convey my congratulation and best wishes to the students, joining us during the academic session 2006-2007. (Dr. Kamlakar Singh) Vice Chancellor |