The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has claimed that In the past four years, the university has not only doubled its student strength, but has also contributed significantly to the nation's knowledge pool. It has, at the same time, ensured that its faculty is provided with the best of facilities to pursue research and remain at the vanguard of the academic community. The period between 2006-07 and 2009-10 saw student strength rise from 1.5 million to over 3 million and the number of programmes on offer go up from 129 to 486. The Open University claims that it has strived to become a more academically vibrant space. It has invested in academics, ensures that the faculty enjoys significant career growth. It has also encouraged research amongst its faculty members, the publication of papers and participation in seminars and conferences. This was not just limited to existing faculty, but to consultants and researchers as well. The strength of faculty
