RTI

 
INTRODUCTION
The Beginning
India developed in early 80’s a satellite and named it Indian National Satellite (INSAT). This is being used for information, education broadcasting so as to reach out to people who are less privileged. The objective was to use this technical system for social transformation through knowledge and information.
The success of Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) established the potentialities of effective satellite broadcast at low cost to students, adults, teachers and extension workers in remote areas. With the launch of INSAT-IB in September, 1983 a promising future for educational development was opened. To take advantage of this communication revolution the University Grants Commission (UGC) initiated a unique television experiment at the tertiary level. Operationalization of INSAT series and the National TV Network in 1982 provided students with a ringside view of the latest developments in various fields. UGC began its transmission of Countrywide Classroom (CWCR) from 15th August, 1984 twice a day through Doordarshan National Network.

Vision 2020
The Vision 2020 envisages India to be a knowledge superpower. To achieve this vision higher education has to play a key role. Universities and colleges provide higher education to more than nine million students. To enable India to become knowledge superpower, education and knowledge resources have to reach out to a large number of people through various means in a seamless way. During 80’s with the expansion of television, the electronic media reached different parts of the country with the receiving stations dotting the skyline. The new information communication technology has further expanded its outreach through Internet. The vision, therefore, is to electronically reach out a large number of students, teachers and general public with quality educational material, so as to address the issues of access to higher education with equity and quality. This in turn we believe will contribute to overall vision of developing India as knowledge super power by 2020.

About CEC
Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC) is an Inter University Centre set up by University Grants Commission (UGC) to use electronic media for development of higher education in the country. CEC located in Delhi currently has 17 Educational Multimedia Research Centres (EMMRCs) in various parts of the country. CEC is responsible for the use of various new technologies for enhancing standards of higher education in the country. CEC runs 24 hrs. Higher Education channel known as Vyas. The Channel can be received throughout the country on the following frequencies.
The Objectives of CEC are:
1. Close coordination, facilitation, overall guidance and direction to the activities of the Media Centres set up by the UGC in various universities.
2. Dissemination of educational programmes, through both the broadcast and non broadcast modes.
3. Production of educational programmes (especially video and audio) and related support material and setting up of appropriate facilities.
4. Research related to optimizing the effectiveness of the programmes.
5. Providing a forum for the active involvement of academic and other scholars in the creation of appropriate educational programmes.
6. Studying, promoting and experimenting with new techniques/ technology that will increase the reach and / or effectiveness of educational communication.
In response to these objectives the CEC coordinates the development of Centres, ensuring the quality of software, coordination of telecasting of the selected programmes, inspiring and encouraging innovations.