In a historic move, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has appointed Professor Uma Kanjilal as its first woman Vice Chancellor, breaking a nearly four-decade precedent since the university's establishment in 1985. Her appointment marks a landmark moment for one of the world’s largest open universities, known for its commitment to inclusive and flexible higher education.
Who Is Professor Uma Kanjilal?
Professor Kanjilal was Acting Vice Chancellor from July 25, 2024, and was previously Pro Vice Chancellor from March 2021 to July 2024. A veteran administrator and academician, she has decades of experience in leadership roles in the university system, with specialisation in digital education and open learning. Her appointment marks an acknowledgment of her extended contribution to IGNOU's academic and technological transformation.
She has had several leadership positions at IGNOU, such as Director, Centre for Online Education (2019–2021), Director, Inter-University Consortium for Technology Enabled Flexible Education (2016–2019), and Director, Advanced Centre for Informatics and Innovative Learning (2012–2013). She has also been Director, School of Social Sciences (2007–2010) and University Librarian (2004–2006).
As a Professor of Library and Information Science since 2003, she is known nationally for her specialisation in e-learning, digital libraries, ICT education, and multimedia courseware development. Professor Kanjilal is also the National Coordinator for the Ministry of Education's SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA programs, both pivotal to India's digital education space.
"With over 36 years of distinguished service in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system, Kanjilal brings a wealth of academic leadership, digital innovation, and institutional knowledge to the helm of one of the world's largest open universities," an official said, as reported by news agency ANI.
"She was currently serving as active Vice Chancellor of the university and has previously served as Pro Vice Chancellor of the university (March 2021-July 2024)," the official added.
