Appreciating the common goals of higher education, research and training in Gandhian philosophy and action in general, and truth, non-violence, sarvodaya and sustainable development in particular, and keeping in view the mandate, vision and road map of the National Council of Rural Institutes (NCRI) and the mission, capabilities and network of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), it was considered mutually advantageous to pool our resources, experience, expertise and capabilities in the joint endeavour of the dissemination of knowledge and skills aimed at empowering people, especially those in the interior areas, and women, poor and dalits through the distance mode. The focus is on production of quality programmes of education and applications based on Gandhian Philosophy, especially Nai Talim, Peace and Conflict Management.

Salient Features of the MOU
1. IGNOU and NCRI would collaborate in the spread of educational programmes leading to Certificate, Diploma, Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Gandhian studies, developed by the former.

2. IGNOU would also develop a course leading to PG Diploma in Peace and Conflict Management, reflecting the Gandhian ethos and ideas - a course in which NCRI is specially interested.

3. IGNOU and NCRI would collaborate in developing a short term certificate progamme of short duration in Nai Talim (Basic Education) for existing and new generation of Nai Talim teachers.

4. NCRI would help in identifying new Study Centres for the above courses and in facilitating the use of physical facilities available with the various Gandhian institutions, Rural Institutes and reputed Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

5. The Study Centres thus identified would function as Resource Centres for Gandhian Studies for IGNOU and NCRI.

6. NCRI would participate in the promotion of project work in M.A. / PG Diploma on Applications /Interventions /Studies on Gandhian ideas.

7. NCRI will coordinate the proposed academic and project work / activities related to Gandhian studies at the selected Study Centres.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Member – Secretary of the NCRI and the Registrar of IGNOU on 27th
March, 2009 on the IGNOU campus in New Delhi, came into effect the same day. Member Secretary, Shri Satish Nambudiripad, and Prof. C.V. Raghavulu were present on behalf of NCRI during a simple ceremony that took place in IGNOU campus, New Delhi. The Governing Body of NCRI approved allocation of Rs.25.00 lakhs for meeting the requirements of launching programmes in distance mode, peace and conflict resolution. NCRI will be identifying a number of rural institutes and will be initiating discussions with various State governments in an attempt to take the benefits of this programme to the interior rural areas and tribal hinterland.

Shri Satish Nambudiripad Member Secretary, NCRI and Shri U.S. Tolia, Registrar (Admn.), IGNOU, signing the MOU.	Prof. O.P. Mishra, Pro-VC, IGNOU & Member Secretary, NCRI exchanging the MOU documents.