In a landmark move to promote inclusive education, the Odisha government has embarked on an ambitious initiative to translate all Indira Gandhi Nation
In a landmark move to promote inclusive education, the Odisha government has embarked on an ambitious initiative to translate all Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) course materials into Odia, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This effort, backed by a ₹2 crore investment, aims to make higher education accessible to Odia-speaking students, particularly those in rural and marginalized communities. Recent reports highlight this as a significant step toward democratizing education in regional languages, a core objective of NEP 2020.
The Odisha Higher Education Department recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IGNOU to facilitate the translation of academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses. This collaboration ensures that students can access quality education in their mother tongue, addressing linguistic barriers that often hinder learning. Official statements indicate that the translated materials will cover a wide range of disciplines, from management and humanities to technical education, ensuring comprehensive coverage for diverse learners.
The initiative is particularly significant for Odisha, where Odia is the mother tongue of over 80% of the population. Experts note that providing educational resources in regional languages enhances comprehension and engagement, especially for students transitioning from vernacular-medium schools to higher education. By offering IGNOU’s extensive catalog—over 50 programs, including MBA, journalism, and cyber security—in Odia, the state aims to empower students who might otherwise struggle with English-based materials.
The translation process, funded entirely by the Odisha government, involves engaging qualified translators, editors, and academic experts proficient in Odia and relevant subject areas. This ensures the accuracy and quality of the translated content, which will undergo rigorous vetting and review. The materials will be available in both print and digital formats, with plans to upload them to an open-access portal for students and faculty across Odisha and beyond. This move not only supports learners but also fosters a collaborative framework for academic support and outreach, as outlined in the MoU.
This initiative builds on earlier efforts to promote education in regional languages. For instance, in January 2025, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched IGNOU’s MBA study materials in Odia, marking a milestone in Odisha’s education landscape. That project, a joint effort with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), set the stage for the current, more expansive translation program. The collaboration reflects NEP 2020’s vision of fostering multilingual education to make learning inclusive and equitable.
The Odisha government’s commitment to spending over ₹2 crore underscores the priority given to this project. The MoU, effective for five years, aims to complete the translation within two years, a timeline experts describe as ambitious but achievable with coordinated efforts. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj emphasized that this initiative aligns with NEP 2020’s goal of promoting vernacular languages in education, stating, “We are ensuring that no student is left behind due to language barriers.” This sentiment resonates with educators who see the translation as a way to bridge the urban-rural divide in access to quality education.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond Odisha. By making IGNOU’s materials freely accessible in Odia, the state sets a precedent for other regions to follow, potentially inspiring similar efforts for India’s 22 scheduled languages. Posts on X reflect public enthusiasm, with users praising the move as a “game-changer” for rural students. However, some educators caution that the success of this initiative depends on timely execution and consistent quality control in translations.
As India progresses toward the NEP 2020 vision of an inclusive education system, Odisha’s effort to translate IGNOU materials into Odia stands out as a practical and impactful step. By prioritizing regional language education, the state is not only empowering its students but also contributing to a broader national goal of equitable access to knowledge. This initiative, rooted in the principles of accessibility and inclusion, could redefine higher education for Odia-speaking learners, ensuring that language is no longer a barrier to opportunity.
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