Higher education is the most critical element of growth in this era of the knowledge economy. We need to at least double the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) to remain active contributors to growth in this era. This truth has been well-recognized by many policy planners, commissions, and thoughtful individuals. The National Knowledge Commission has brought out valuable documents outlining the critical role of higher education. In this context, the role of Open and Distance Learning System (ODL) becomes significant and unique. The experience across the globe substantiates that the ODL system is an effective tool for educationally empowering the different sections of society who, for one reason or the other, had missed formal ‘face-to-face’ education. These days, distance education provides many vocational, professional, and technical courses, including specialized programs oriented toward the higher end of technology usage. It also has the potential to reach the unreached, marginalized, and excluded people residing in distant places and difficult terrain. Strictly in tune with the philosophy of the ODL system, Uttarakhand Open University (UOU) was established by an Act of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in 2005 (Act No. 23 of 2005) on 31.10.2005 with the aim of disseminating knowledge and skills through distance learning, using the flexible and innovative methods of education to ensure ‘Independent Learning’.