NIOS signs MoU with Army to educate jawans

Patna: Army jawans can now continue their study and upgrade pre-degree level education with the help of National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
The NIOS recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army to enable the jawans to enhance their prospects of employment post-retirement after achieving degrees.
The NIOS, an autonomous institution under the ministry of human resource development, provides school education up to pre-degree level through both open and distance education."It is a golden opportunity for jawans deputed in bordering and far flung areas," said NIOS regional director Sanjay Kumar Sinha on Wednesday.
"This is a novel effort and we hope it will go a long way in imparting higher education to jawans, most of whom join the Army at a very young age after passing Class X. They often have to discontinue their education due to pressing need of employment. An MoU was signed between NIOS and Army Education Corps (AEC) to start a joint project known as NIOS Education Project for Indian Army (NEPIA) at the Army headquarters," Sinha said.
"NEPIA will also help the Indian Army troops to upgrade their educational qualifications and human resource quotient," Sinha added.
To be more precise, the jawans will be imparted education at their workplace. The NIOS will send learners study materials in print and even audio/video lessons. Classes will also be organized for them at free time so that they can clear their doubts and get tips on lessons to be taught, said the NIOS official.
The jawans will also have the freedom to study whenever they are free. By opting this distance education programme, they can complete their +2 education, which is now a basic requirement for getting a job in the civilian sector after short service.
"Most of the jawans, after retirement, opt for jobs of security guards or private guards. But due to lack of proper education they are often unable to understand the rules and regulations of the private agencies hiring them. Hence, this upgraded education will help them understand the prospects of their job," said Sinha.