The decision of the Regional Office of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) at Porvorim to make its transactions mandatorily digital since January has inconvenienced students in the State.
the goan I network
PORVORIM
Adoption of cashless transactions by IGNOU has created problems for many students, especially from rural areas, as they do not have access to debit/credit cards or net banking facilities.
IGNOU has made it mandatory for students to submit examination forms online and make payment of examination fees through debit card/credit cards or net banking.
The students who do not have debit or credit card or net banking facilities expressed concern that they could lose one year if they fail to submit examination forms in the mode prescribed by IGNOU.
When contacted, Assistant Director of Regional Office of IGNOU Dr G Shrinivas explained that the Porvorim IGNOU regional centre had adopted cashless transactions as per directives of its head office at New Delhi.
“But those students who are unable to submit examination forms online need not worry, as the Regional Office at Porvorim has made necessary arrangements to help these students. Two computers have been made available at the reception counter to enable students to fill examination forms and our staff will assist them in filling their forms,” assured Dr Shrinivas.
Commenting on concerns regarding mode of payment, Dr Shrinivas replied: “Students can use debit or credit cards of their family members to make online payment of examination fees.”
“We will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Union Bank of India shortly for the supply of a card swiping machine. Once this machine is installed at our Porvorim office, students will not have any problem in making cashless payments,” he added.
Srinivas further informed that this year, about 4,600 students will appear for exams in 62 courses through their regional centre.
“The last date for submission of examination forms is March 31 and examinations will be conducted in June,” he said.
“We have already submitted our proposal to the head office to establish a centre at Vidhyaprabhodini complex in Porvorim and we hope to receive an approval shortly. Once this centre becomes operational, students from north Goa need not go to Pilar to attend classes.”
In a bid to encourage students to interact with him on pre-counselling requirements, Dr Shrinivas added: “Students who need pre-counselling can meet me or email me on gshrinivas@ignou.ac.in with their queries,” said Shrinivas.
