IGNOU and FSSAI renew MoU

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) signed a renewal and Amendment MoU on 14th June 2023 at the Board Room, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi.

Before the signing ceremony, Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, IAS, Secretary, Government of India and Chief Executive Officer (CEO),Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) visited Electronic Media Production Centre (EMPC).

The Signing ceremony started with the welcome address by Prof. Praveen Kumar Jain, Director, the School of Agriculture. Dr. P. Vijayakumar, Professor, School of Agriculture gave an overview of the Renewal and Amendment MoU. Prof. Sumitra Kukreti, Pro Vice Chancellor, IGNOU congratulated the School of Agriculture for renewal of MoU and highlighted the programmes offered by the School of Agriculture in the area of food safety. Dr. Srikant Mohapatra, Pro Vice Chancellor, IGNOU requested the CEO, FSSAI to help IGNOU in establishing learner Support centres for the programmes of IGNOU related to food safety, facilitate the internship of learners, and inclusion of food safety-related programmes of IGNOU as one of the eligibility criteria for food safety officers.

While addressing the gathering, Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, IAS, CEO, FSSAI expressed that IGNOU has grown tremendously over the years and has been a Mega University catering to the educational needs of large masses. He further informed that FSSAI is supporting different institutions dealing with food processing and safety and also requested to explore the possibility of establishing an organic testing laboratory for which FSSAI can provide financial support.

Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Nageshwar Road gave an overview about the IGNOU and its efforts to reach the unreached through its wide network Pan-India. He appreciated the efforts taken by FSSAI for collaborating with IGNOU and sought valuable guidance and support in implementing the MoU.