Higher education is the most critical element of growth in this era of knowledge economy. We need to at least double the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) to remain active contributors to growth in this era. This truth has been well recognised by many policy planners, commissions and thoughtful individuals. The National Knowledge Commission has brought out valuable documents outlining the critical role of higher education. In this context, the role of Open and Distance Learning System (ODL) becomes significant and unique. The experience across the globe substantiates that ODL system is an effective tool for educationally empowering the different sections of society who, for one reason or the other, had missed the formal ‘face-to-face’ education. These days, distance education provides many vocational, professional and technical courses, including specialised programmes oriented towards the higher end of technology usage. It also has the potential to reach the unreached, marginalized and excluded people residing in distant places and difficult terrain. Strictly in tune with the philosophy of ODL system, Uttarakhand Open University (UOU) was established by an Act of Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in 2005 (Act No. 23 of 2005) with the aim of disseminating knowledge and skills through distance learning, using the flexible and innovative methods of education to ensure ‘independent learning’.
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