Given below are two statements
Statement I: Pitroda Commission recommended setting up 1500 universities in India to avoid stagnation in Higher Education.
Statement II: To address the problem of low enrolment in higher education in India, Indira Gandhi National Open Universities was set up in 1975.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

Correct option is B

Statement I is actually incorrect. The Pitroda Commission (National Knowledge Commission), chaired by Sam Pitroda, did highlight the need to expand higher education access and improve its quality, but it did not specifically recommend establishing 1500 universities to avoid stagnation in higher education.
Statement II is also incorrect because the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was not established in 1975. IGNOU was set up in 1985 to address low enrolment in higher education through distance and open learning, thus improving access and flexibility for learners across India.
Information Booster: 1. Pitroda Commission (National Knowledge Commission): Focused on improving access, inclusivity, and quality in higher education but did not specify setting up 1500 universities.
2. IGNOU Establishment: Founded in 1985, not 1975, with a mandate to promote distance learning and open education.
3. Purpose of IGNOU: Designed to reach a larger population, especially in remote and underserved areas, using open and distance education methods.
4. Higher Education in India: India has taken multiple initiatives to increase access, including digital platforms and distance education programs.
5. National Knowledge Commission Recommendations: Included improving faculty quality, research, curriculum development, and infrastructure in existing universities.