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Uttarakhand Open University Becomes First State OU to Attain Dual Status Under NCVET

In a landmark development, Uttarakhand Open University (UOU) has become the first State Open University in India to be granted dual status as both an awarding and assessment body under the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). This significant milestone is the result of a strategic initiative spearheaded by the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), aimed at integrating vocational education throughout the open and distance learning (ODL) ecosystem.

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TNOU Vice Chancellor Visits COL-CEMCA to Explore Strategic Collaboration
In July 2025, Professor S. Arumugam, Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), visited the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in New Delhi to strengthen institutional linkages with national skilling initiatives. During this official visit, he also made a courtesy call to the COL-CEMCA office.
 
Professor Arumugam was warmly received by Dr B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA. The meeting offered an excellent opportunity for both leaders to exchange ideas on advancing their shared vision of technology-enabled, skill-integrated open and distance learning. Discussions centred around potential areas of collaboration, including micro-credentials, employability-focused curriculum design, and inclusive digital learning strategies aligned with the NEP 2020.
 
The visit underscored the commitment of both institutions to co-develop impactful, learner-centric solutions that bridge academic learning with workforce readiness.
 
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GGSIPU and COL-CEMCA Sign Landmark MoU to Advance Digital and Inclusive ODL

The Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), the regional centre of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Delhi, on 11 July 2025 to enhance Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online education in India. The MoU was signed by Dr B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, and Dr K.K. Pathak, Registrar, GGSIPU.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor, GGSIPU, described the partnership as a vital step toward delivering meaningful and accessible education. “This collaboration will help us provide innovative, high-impact, and inclusive learning opportunities to our academic community,” he stated.

In his address, Dr B. Shadrach commended GGSIPU’s progress in innovation, research, and inclusive education. He highlighted CEMCA’s commitment to supporting the university through joint research, faculty training, digital infrastructure, and content development, aligning with NEP 2020 to build a future-ready, technology-enhanced higher education ecosystem. He noted, “Partnering with a multidisciplinary university like GGSIPU would help in expanding the reach and impact of COL-CEMCA initiatives across the wider educational landscape.”

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COL-CEMCA and Professor Ram Reddy Trust Explore Collaborative Pathways to Empower Rural Learners

The Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA) hosted Ms Jyoti Gaddam, Trustee of the Prof Ram Reddy Trust, on 4 July 2025 for a strategic interaction to explore potential collaborations that advance the enduring legacy of Professor Ram Reddy — a pioneer of open and distance learning (ODL) in India.

Welcomed by Dr B. Shadrach, Director of COL-CEMCA, the meeting focused on aligning efforts to deliver tangible outcomes for underserved communities, especially rural youth and women. Ms Gaddam conveyed her intent to partner with the organisation to support impactful programmes that enhance employability and life skills. “Experiential learning initiatives would be a more meaningful tribute to my father’s vision than ceremonial events,” she remarked.

Dr Shadrach and his team presented several initiatives aligned with the Trust's aspirations, including a pilot project aimed at training 1,000 rural girls across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in industry-relevant skills. The project focuses on skilling young girls in communication, critical thinking, and analytical abilities, to mainly prepare them to face the job-market with the skills necessary in 21st century workplace.

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Strengthening Educational Ties: COL-CEMCA Facilitates India-Sri Lanka Knowledge Exchange

A two-week Capacity Development Programme for Educational Administrative Service Officers from Sri Lanka concluded on 20 June 2025, marking a significant milestone in regional educational cooperation. Organised jointly by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) and the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), the initiative brought together 20 mid-career officers engaged in school supervision, management, and policy planning across Sri Lanka.

Running from 9 to 20 June 2025, the programme was designed to bridge a long-standing professional development gap among middle-tier officers, offering international exposure to modern educational practices, leadership strategies, and systemic reforms. The intensive training featured a blend of expert lectures, experiential learning, case studies, field visits, and interactive sessions.

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