Uttarakhand Open University Planning Board’s 8th Meeting Concludes — 21 Proposals Passed Unanimously

Haldwani — The 8th meeting of the Planning Board of Uttarakhand Open University was held today at the university headquarters in Haldwani under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naveen Chandra Lohani. The meeting focused on the university’s growth and development plans, with detailed discussions on 21 proposals, all of which were unanimously approved. The minutes of the 7th meeting were confirmed earlier in the session.Members present praised the administration’s proposals as visionary and effective for strengthening the state’s higher and distance education system. They noted that the university is setting new benchmarks in quality and accessible education through novel academic, research, and infrastructural initiatives.Key Approved ProposalsProvision of necessary resources for smooth functioning of the Child Care Centre and Women’s Studies Centre.Landscape development of the university campus.Establishment of a Transit Hostel and Seminar Hall.Allocation of additional land for new courses in line with the National Education Policy 2020.Setting up an Incubation Centre, Industry-Academia Cell, Defence Cell, Research Council, and Ethics Committee.Creation of the Himalayan Studies Centre and Heritage Museum.Development of regional centres and libraries.Infrastructure enhancement of the community radio ‘Hello Haldwani’.Expected ImpactMembers expressed confidence that these initiatives will add momentum and direction to the university’s academic, research, and community activities, while further strengthening and ensuring the credibility of distance education in the state.Meeting AttendanceRegistrar Dr. Khemraj Bhatt read out all the proposals. External members included NTA Chairman Prof. Pradeep Kumar Joshi and IGNOU’s Prof. Shachi Sah. From the university, participants included Prof. Renu Prakash, Prof. Jitendra Pandey, Finance Controller S.P. Singh, Controller of Examinations Prof. Somesh Kumar, Dr. Neerja Singh, and Dr. Harish Joshi.The meeting ended in a cordial atmosphere, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lohani thanking all members and reaffirming the university’s commitment to developing an inclusive, comprehensive, and empowered education system in the state.