On 79th Independence Day, Chief Minister Entrusts Uttarakhand Open University with Major Responsibility

Haldwani,,,On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, made a significant announcement. After cabinet approval, it has been decided that special centers will be established in all 13 districts of the state to promote and develop higher and employment-oriented education. The coordination and management of these centers will be undertaken by Uttarakhand Open University (UOU).

This announcement coincided with the University’s celebration of its 20 successful years of establishment, filling the campus community with pride and enthusiasm.

Statement of the Vice-Chancellor

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naveen Chandra Lohani expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Higher Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, and the entire state cabinet for this trust. He said:

• “This initiative will prove to be a milestone in connecting the youth of the state—especially women and girls—with higher education, while also extending quality employment-oriented education to remote areas.”
• “It will fulfill the dreams of families who cannot afford to send their children to cities for higher studies.”

Introduction of New Job-Oriented Courses

The University is preparing to introduce innovative and skill-based educational programs in the following domains:

• Tourism and Hospitality
• Digital Marketing
• Himalayan Studies
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Disaster Management
• Handicrafts and Heritage Conservation

Linking Higher Education with the Indian Army

Prof. Lohani also announced that during this month, the University will sign an MoU with the Bengal Engineers Regiment, to establish a special study center aimed at integrating higher education with the Indian Armed Forces.

Collective Appreciation

On this occasion, all university officials, faculty, staff, and students expressed their delight and extended heartfelt thanks to the State Government for this visionary step.