Indira Gandhi National Open University in order to universalize and democratize higher education, is offering free education to Transgender Community from July 2017 session. Taking advantage of this opportunity learners from transgender community took admission in Bachelor’s Preparatory Programme (BPP) at IGNOU Regional Centre, Lucknow. Today on 27th October, 2017 an Induction Programme for transgender community students along with other students was organized at IGNOU, Study Centre – Maharaja Bijli Pasi Govt. PG College, Lucknow. The Chief Guest of this programme was Shri Sanjeev Kumar Shukla, Divisional Commandant, Home Guards, U.P. Govt. During this programme Identity Cards were distributed to transgender students.

Shri Sanjeev Kumar Shukla, Divisional Commandant, Home Guards, U.P. Govt. appreciated the efforts of IGNOU and felt that this step would bring transgender community in the main stream of the society and will also empower them. He motivated the learners to be positive in all their endeavors.

Dr. Manorama Singh, Regional Director informed the learners in detail about the structure and functions of IGNOU and highlighted the importance of academic counseling. She said that Regional Centre will organize Awareness Programmes in various districts under the jurisdiction of IGNOU Regional Centre, Lucknow and will inform them the benefits of higher education.

Dr. Kirti Vikram Singh, Assistant Regional Director told that IGNOU has become the first University in India to offer free education to the transgender community. Those candidates transgender community who do not have any formal education may take admission in Bachelor’s Preparatory Programme (BPP). After completing this programme they will be granted admission in Graduation Programme of IGNOU.

Dr. Manju Dixit, Principal and Dr. Balram Singh, Coordinator, IGNOU were also present on this occasion.