President Pratibha Patil on Thursday announced a special prize in the name of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for individuals or agencies working on developing technology for expansion of education in the country.<br/>Rajiv Gandhi International Prize for Education and Technology Development, instituted by Indira Gandhi National Open University, will be given to individuals or institutions which have made significant contribution for development of educational technology.<br/>The prize, which will carry a cash component of five lakh rupees, will be decided by an international jury. The award ceremony will be held on the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi every year. Mrs Patil announced the prize during the silver jubilee celebration function of the university in the capital. The university will also institute ISRO Chair for satellite education and Raman Chair for science education.<br/>Earlier, Mrs lamented that large chunk of workforce in India lacks skill certification for self-empowerment. Addressing the silver jubilee celebration function of Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, she put emphasis on distance education and use of technology as a major medium to promote skill development. She said, only five per cent of the workforce in India has some kind of certification, contrary to over 85 per cent in the developed countries.<br/>Mrs patil said, encouragement of work-integrated learning followed by examination, certification and accreditation through distance education will be of help. She also underlined the need for collaboration with industry and other players to achieve the objective.<br/>The President launched a Gyan Deep programme, a special programme being started by IGNOU in collaboration with Indian Army to create a process of certification of higher education of soldiers. She said, studying, while in employment, also offers opportunities for enhancement of career opportunities. Mrs Patil also launched Flexi Learn Platform which will provide an opportunity for prospective learners to sample a course before enrolling.<br/>Speaking on the occasion, Human Resources Development Minister, Mr Kapil Sibal emphasised on access, inclusion and excellence in education. He said it is necessary to innovate alternative module to provide education ro more number of people.<br/>