How the E-University Act and the National Credit Framework aim to transform distance education

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Synopsis
For a long time, there has been a divide between regular college degrees, and distance-learning degrees and diplomas. The University Grants Commission has come up with a slew of initiatives to correct this. One of them is to set up e-universities. What is the objective, and can they make a difference?

Even as India’s gross enrolment ratio has hovered around 27%, formal college education continues to be an unviable opportunity for millions. Distance learning has been able to help raise the numbers somewhat by enabling more learning flexibility and providing the option to continue one’s education while working. It is a precursor to lifelong learning, which has become more critical of late. However, for a long time, there has been a divide