SWAYAM is a programme initiated by:

Correct option is A

SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) is a program initiated by the Government of India under the Ministry of Education (formerly the Ministry of Human Resource Development). It aims to provide free online courses for students across the country, ensuring equitable access to high-quality education.
Key Features of SWAYAM:
1. Objective:
· To bridge the digital divide and make quality education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
2. Courses Offered:
· Cover school, undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional levels.
· Includes disciplines such as engineering, science, arts, and humanities.
3. Certification:
· Learners can enroll for free, but a nominal fee is charged for exams and certifications.
4. Development and Support:
· Content is created by top institutions, including IITs, IIMs, UGC, AICTE, and IGNOU.
Information Booster:
1. SWAYAM Features:
· Offers Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).
· Covers school education to higher education and lifelong learning.
2. Key Stakeholders:
· National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), UGC, IGNOU, NCERT, and more contribute to course content.
3. Platform Benefits:
· Provides interactive learning, assignments, and certification.
Additional Knowledge:
1. (b) National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT):
· NCERT focuses on school curriculum and textbooks, not managing SWAYAM.
2. (c) University Grants Commission (UGC):
· While UGC provides content and coordinates certain courses on SWAYAM, it is not the initiator of the program.
3. (d) Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU):
· IGNOU offers distance education but contributes only as one of the content providers for SWAYAM.