• Introduction:

 Self Learning Material plays an important role in Distance Education. It is the main bridge between distance learner and distance educators or instructors. According to UGC regulations on open and distance education, 2017 (page no. 39), “Self Learning Material means and includes contents in the form of course material, whether print or non-print, which is inter-alia self-explanatory, self-contained, self-directed at the learner, and amenable to self-evaluation, and enables the learner to acquire the prescribed level of learning in a course of study, but does not include textbooks or guide-books.” The success of Open and Distance Education programmes depends on the quality of Self Learning Material.

• Policy of DDE regarding Self Learning Material:

University Grants Commission (UGC), Distance Education Bureau (DEB), National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE), Executive Council & Academic Council of MANUU are the guiding forces of Directorate of Distance Education, MANUU and its academic and administrative endeavours. DDE, MANUU frames all its policies and programmes in the light of guidelines and notifications issued by the aforesaid bodies / authorities. Therefore, Directorate of Distance Education’s policy of Developing Self Learning Material is based on the UGC regulations and office memorandums issued by the competent authorities of MANUU.

• Adoption of UGC (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017 dated 23^rd June, 2017 (REGD. NO. D. L.-33004/99):

UGC (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017, Annexure VII deals with Quality Assurance Guidelines of Learning Material in Multiple Media, Human Resource, Curriculum and Pedagogy and Annexure VIII describes the Guidelines on Preparation of Self-Learning Material in sufficient details.

The Academic Council of MANUU in its 27^th Meeting held on 5^th September, 2017 had adopted UGC (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017 (Item No. 27.3.03). Further, the Executive Council of MANUU in its 63^rd meeting held on 7^th September, 2017 ratified the minutes of 27^th Academic Council (Item No. 63.4 (1)).

Therefore, Annexure VII (Exhibit 1) and Annexure VIII (Exhibit 2) of UGC (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017, are the bases of DDE’s policy of Self Learning Material.

• Process of SLM Development:

The process of SLM Development is the main academic endeavour of Open and Distance Education. DDE adheres the following procedure for development of Self Learning Material;

• Standard Fonts & Size:

As per the Office Memorandum, wide no: MANUU/Acad/F.TP/2018-19/44 dated 9^th August, 2019 following are standard fonts and sizes for SLM typing in different languages;

• Honorarium / Remuneration for SLM writing:

As per the office memorandum, wide no: MANUU/DTP/2016/F.09 dated 26^th September, 2019 (Exhibit 3) the rates of honorarium and remuneration for SLM writing is as under;

• Summing Up:

In this way, DDE is committed to ensure quality of SLM as expected by UGC (Open & Distance Education) Regulation, 2017 and provide quality material to its distance learners.