Bhubaneswar, : The IGNOU DECE course book has been released in Odia today. This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 9 June 2025 between the Higher Education Department and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to offer several undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses in Odia.
The Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE), previously available only in English, Hindi, and Tamil, is now accessible in Odia. The one-year diploma, open to students after +2, focuses on child health, nutrition, and early education, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical training. Along with textbooks, students will receive audio cassettes and video tutorials, ensuring hands-on learning and better comprehension of early childhood development practices.
The course book was formally released by Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida and Higher Education Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj. Speaking at the event, Smt. Parida said the availability of the DECE course in Odia will greatly benefit Anganwadi workers, trainers, and pre-school educators, enabling them to pursue quality education in their mother tongue. She highlighted that learning in Odia makes education more accessible, practical, and impactful.
Shri Suryabanshi Suraj emphasised that early education forms the foundation of the entire education system. He noted that the DECE programme aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages learning in the mother tongue to foster creativity, strengthen grassroots education, and ensure “Education for All.” The programme aims to develop skilled educators who can impart learning through simple, practical methods.
Anganwadi workers enrolled in the DECE course joined the programme virtually and expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida, Higher Education Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, and IGNOU officials. The event also saw participation from dignitaries including Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice-Chancellor IGNOU, Shri Aravind Agrawal, and Smt. Monisha Banerjee.
The initiative ensures that the IGNOU DECE course in Odia empowers educators, trainers, and early childhood professionals, making quality education in the mother tongue widely accessible and helping improve child education and nutrition across Odisha.
