JAMMU, Nov 3: In an initiative aimed at promoting women’s education, empowerment and lifelong learning, the University of Jammu has established a Non-Collegiate Women Education Board (NCWEB) under its Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), offering flexible higher education and skill development opportunities to women who are unable to pursue regular college education.
Addressing a press conference at the University of Jammu, Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai said the initiative aims to support women who have been deprived of educational and training opportunities due to personal, social, professional or economic circumstances. He emphasised that education remains an important instrument of women’s empowerment and social transformation.
Prof. Rai highlighted the need for collaboration between the University and civil society organisations to expand educational opportunities, skill development, awareness and welfare initiatives for women. He said NCWEB would particularly benefit working women, homemakers and girls who cannot attend regular colleges due to various constraints.
Prof. J.P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, said the Centre for Distance and Online Education has the potential to emerge as a Centre of Excellence in accessible and inclusive education. He informed that academic, vocational, skill-based and value-added courses would be offered through flexible learning schedules. Classes will be conducted on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays to facilitate participation by women from different backgrounds, including those living in distant areas.
It was also informed that the Vice Chancellor had interacted with representatives of civil society organisations, women’s groups, government departments, NGOs and other stakeholders a day earlier. The participants appreciated the University’s efforts to advance women’s education and empowerment through NCWEB.
Earlier, Prof. Pankaj K. Srivastava, Director, CDOE, delivered the welcome address and outlined the vision and objectives of the initiative. He said NCWEB aims to empower women through holistic education, training and capacity building, contributing towards an egalitarian society.
He further informed that B.Com. and three certificate courses in GST, Information Technology (IT) and General Accounting have already been launched for women. More short-term and skill-oriented programmes will be introduced in the future in accordance with emerging industry requirements and market demands to improve employability, livelihood opportunities and professional skills.
The initiative is expected to expand access to higher education and create new avenues for women’s educational and economic empowerment in the region.