The Principal Director of the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) has directed all District Joint Directors to ensure higher studies for those who successfully completed the Higher Secondary equivalency course of the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority. Local bodies will allocate project funds at the panchayat level to implement this initiative, which aims to provide financial support for learners seeking further education. This decision comes as a result of continuous interventions and joint efforts by the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority and the Sree Narayananguru Open University (SNGOU). The project is designed to extend higher education opportunities to socially marginalized sections and individuals who were forced to drop out of formal education due to various reasons.

The government’s decision is set to benefit tens of thousands of persons who have cleared equivalency exam across the State, making sure there are no financial hurdles in their path to higher education. “It will serve as a massive support system for a large segment of the population whose education would have otherwise terminated after higher secondary due to financial constraints. Sreenarayananguru Open University stands out as the sole institution where anyone qualifying for higher studies can pursue higher education without constraints of age limits or seat restrictions,” said Jagathy Raj V. P, university Vice-Chancellor.

Emphasizing the university’s mission of ‘Degree for All’, he added that the institution will ensure excellent undergraduate and postgraduate facilities for all learners entering through this new LSGD project. The university authorities added that they will take the lead in expanding this project across all local self-government institutions in the coming days, effectively bringing those marginalized from the education system into the mainstream. The Vice-Chancellor added that this project accelerates the university’s declared goal of transforming Kerala into a fully graduate State. Interested learners can apply at the panchayat level to become part of this scheme for the upcoming UG and PG admissions commencing in July.