THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Open and Distance Learning in the state is facing a crisis as the Sree Narayana Guru Open University is yet to get UGC's full recognition. The state government has amended the law to separate distance and open courses from Kerala, Calicut, MG, and Kannur Universities and to make such courses available only at the Open University. Kerala and Calicut universities continued their distance courses last year following a court order.

About one lakh students passing Plus Two are relying on parallel education for further education. If study facilities are not provided in Kerala, they will have to rely on universities in other states. The Open University, which was started without adequate preparation, has not received get UGC approval for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Last year, the university had announced that it would launch several innovative courses. However, it does not even have the basic facilities to conduct these courses. Although Rs 10 crore has been allocated in the budget for infrastructure, it will take time for all these to be ready.

The university was approved by the UGC last February. But it still needs permission to start the courses. The syllabus and project report of the courses should be submitted to the UGC for approval. The aim is to start 19 undergraduate and 9 postgraduate courses.