Six additional UG/PG programmes have also received UGC approval The Institute of Distance Education of the University of Madras on Monday received approval to launch a two-year B.Ed programme. Former Vice-Chancellor P. Duraisamy had initiated the effort to launch the course in 2017 but it was delayed due to the University’s non-compliance with various norms of the regulatory authorities. While the National Council for Teacher Education gave its approval in 2019, the University had to await permission from the University Grants Commission. “We got approval in 2019 but in 2020 we could not offer the programme. Due to the pandemic, the UGC cancelled the approval process last year. Very few universities managed to get B Ed programmes. We applied again in October last and received the approval today,” said an official.