The Distance Education Council (DEC) was established in 1991 under Section 16(7) read with Section 5(2) of the IGNOU Act, 1985. As per clause (2) (a) of the statute 28, the DEC was responsible for the promotion and coordination of the Open and Distance Learning system in the Country. In May, 2007 a Joint Committee was formed by signing a MoU between UGC, AICTE and DEC for the period of three years till May, 2010. The Joint Committee developed guidelines in the form of ‘Recognition of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Institutions’ Handbook 2009. Thereafter, in pursuance of the directions issued by the Ministry of Education, the Department of Higher Education, Government of India issued order dated 29.12.2012, thereby the regulatory functions with regard to Distance Education programmes (excluding technical education) in higher education were vested with the University Grants Commission and for technical education, the AICTE act as a regulator through ODL mode. The Distance Education Council, which was the erstwhile regulator of Distance Education programmes, was dissolved and all regulatory functions were undertaken by the UGC under DEB (Distance Education Bureau) with effect from 2013. The Ministry of Education vide its order dated 25th February, 2014, has directed UGC to act as a regulator for higher education system in ODL mode, including for technical education in universities/affiliated colleges

Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (code:-S1339)

About UPRTOU"The U.P.Rajarshi Tandon Open University, Prayagraj, was established under Act No. 10/1999 passed by U.P.Legislature and assented to by the Governer of U.P. on March 24,1999.It is named after Bharat Ratna Rajarshi Purusottam Das Tandon ji..."

Objectives

1. The University shall promote dissemination of learning and knowledge through distance education system to a large segment of the population and shall, in organizing its activities, have due regard to the objects specified in the schedule.
2. The University shall Endeavour through education, research, training and extension to play a positive role in the development of the state, and, based on the rich heritage of the state, to promote and advance culture of the people of India and its human resources and towards this end, it shall ...
3. Provide access to higher education for large segment of the population, and in particular, the disadvantaged groups such as those living in remote and rural areas including working people, house-wives and other adults who wish to upgrade or acquire knowledge through studies in various fields.
4. Promote acquisition of knowledge in a rapidly developing and changing society and continually offer opportunity for upgrading knowledge, training and skills in the context of innovations, research and discovery in all fields of human endeavors.
5. Provide an innovative system of university level education, flexible and open, in regard to methods and pace of learning, combination of courses, eligibility for enrolment, age of entry, conduct of examination and operation of programs with a view to promote learning and encourage excellence in new fields of knowledge.
6. Contribute to the improvement of the educational system by providing a non formal channel complementary to the formal system, by encouraging transfer of credits and exchange of teaching staff and by making wide use of texts and other software developed by the University.
7. Provide education and training in various arts, crafts and skills of the country in general and the state in particular and simultaneously insure raising their quality and improving their availability to the people.
8. Provide or arrange training of teachers required for such activities or institutions.
9. Provide suitable Post-Graduate courses of study and promote research.