The Regional Institute of Vocational Education and Training (RIVET) is a recent initiative of IGNOU for a widespread implementation of Vocational Education and Training programmes, especially for the rural youths in the remote/rural areas of the country. To make this possible, RIVET has entered into an MOA with SREI SAHAJ e-Village Ltd. (SAHAJ), a subsidiary of SREI Infrastructure Finance Ltd. in the states of Assam, Bihar, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir for delivery of e-learning vocational programmes at the Gram Panchayat levels.

RIVET was formally inaugurated by the Union Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge on May 27.

In Orissa, RIVET has joined hands with the Council for Integrated Tribal Research and Awareness Programme (CITRAP), an NGO working for the welfare of SC/ST in Phulbani, Kandhamal district.

Under the guidance of Prof Pandav Naik, RIVET was created in April 2009. It aims to take vocational education and training to people living Below the Poverty Line (BPL) in the backward regions of the East zone.

Programmes on Offer

RIVET provides vocational programmes in both online and offline mode. Sixteen IGNOU programmes have been identified under RIVET to be offered to students at the Regional Centres.

Some of these programmes include Master's in Tourism Management and Hospital Administration, Bachelor's Degree Programmes in Nursing, Fashion Design, Textile Design and Retailing.

It also offers PG diploma and diploma programmes in community radio, information technology, NGO management and business-process outsourcing, among others.