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Open learning through distance education has come to be accepted as a well-recognised mode of education and training relevant to, and necessary for, meeting the emerging demands of Indian society. Areas hitherto unreached by the conventional education system are now gradually being taken care of by the open learning system in India. One such area is the education and training of local self-government functionaries. Since their number runs in millions, it poses a pedagogical challenge for distance education. This paper argues that education and training programs offered through the distance mode can effectively meet the training needs of a large number of functionaries, if such programs are needs-based and give due recognition to the learning styles and preferences of the target group. The author builds his argument around the outcomes of his project in this area of training.