According to K. Panneerselvam, Regional Director of IGNOU Regional Centre (Madurai), the university's initiative is aimed at enhancing the managerial and financial capacity of the NGO sector by disseminating knowledge through distance education. The course will be beneficial to those who want to work in development sector or in non-governmental organisations. Dr. Panneerselvam said the curriculum for this certificate course would include a seven-day contact programme directly with an NGO through which students could get an opportunity to gain better understanding of the operational issues and field requirements. Eligibility for joining the certificate programme is 10+2. Those who have completed matriculation with at least three years' work experience in the NGO sector can also join.