IAMAI launches an Indian EdTech Consortium (IEC) to uphold code of conduct

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) announced the formation of the India Edtech Consortium (IEC). 

 

This consortium aims to ensure that every Edtech learner gets access to quality and affordable education. 

 

Entities such as Byju’s, Careers 360,Classplus, Doubtnut, Great Learning, Harappa, Times Edutech and Events, Scaler, Simplilearn, Toppr, Unacademy, upGrad, UNext Learning, Vedantu and WhiteHat Jr have joined the IEC. 

 

The Edtech companies have committed to adhere to a common code of conduct and establish a two-tier grievance redressal mechanism. 

 

Subho Ray, president, IAMAI, said, “IAMAI and members of the  India EdTech Consortium (IEC) are deeply committed to ensuring ethical standards to protect learners on online educational platforms. IEC seeks to empower the learners by not just helping them make informed decisions but by also having their grievances redressed timely. The formation of this self-regulatory body is an important step towards protecting learners as more and more students, teachers and stakeholders are becoming a part of the online education ecosystem.” 

 

Divya Gokulnath, co-founder, Byju’s, said, “We are completely aligned with the government's principles on safeguarding consumer interests and welcome the creation of guidelines that help students reach their learning goals in a manner that makes them future-ready and conceptually strong. We have always believed that the student should be at the centre of the education system and as educators, we must do everything possible to create the right set of  processes and methods to empower and enhance their learning." 

 

Vamsi Krishna, co-founder, CEO, Vedantu, said, “The Indian EdTech sector has grown considerably over the last two years with funding and consolidations strengthening the ecosystem. However, while business growth is critical, so is consumer protection since this will allow students and parents to make more informed decisions about the future. Therefore, as part of the newly institutionalised IEC, we will  build a sounder and more ethical ecosystem for students so that we can ensure their safety and mitigate any risks they may encounter in their journey to be future-ready.” 

 

Mayank Kumar, co-founder, managing director, upGrad and co-chairperson, IAMAI edtech committee, said, “We are honoured to be a part of the IEC at a time when the EdTech sector is accelerating its growth momentum. The last two years have witnessed the rise of online education as a connecting bridge to access flexible and quality education for students as well as working professionals. With the sole purpose of improving the delivery of education services, it is now crucial for us to foster and sustain stakeholder trust by safeguarding their interest as a practice. This initiative will go a long way in  strengthening the EdTech sector and establishing India as the teaching capital of the world.”