New Delhi, 19 December 2025

Dr B. Shadrach, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA) and Prof Navin Chandra Lohani, Vice Chancellor, Uttarakhand Open University (UOU), met on 19 December 2025, at the COL-CEMCA office, New Delhi to discuss collaborative initiatives, such as reducing open distance learning (ODL) dropout rates, launching  National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) recognised skill courses, and forming a Community Radio platform in Uttarakhand. The discussion encompasses three key areas of collaboration:

1. Learners’ Dropout Project in the ODL System: A Pilot Project at UOU
2. Launching NCVET recognised NSQF aligned skill based courses at UOU
3. Launching a platform of Functional Community Radio Stations in Uttarakhand

The meeting paved the way for collaborative initiatives enhancing ODL in Uttarakhand. These efforts aim to promote inclusive, quality education and boost employability, strengthening UOU’s impact.