Central University of Odisha, COATS sign MoU to boost tribal research and development
Bhubaneswar, Aug 16 (UNI) The Central University of Odisha (CUO) and the Council of Analytical Tribal Studies (COATS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research and development initiatives, academic exchanges focusing on tribal communities mostly living in Schedule Areas in Odisha, particularly the erstwhile Koraput, Balangir, and Kalahandi (KBK) districts.
As per the agreement, the MoU will remain effective for the next three years and may be renewed for another three years with mutual consent.
The MoU was signed by Prof. N. C. Panda, Acting Vice-Chancellor of CUO, and Dr. P.C. Mohapatro, Director of COATS, in a ceremony attended by key officials including Dr. Duryadhan Sethy, CUO Finance Officer and Registrar (I/c), Dr. Kapila Khemundu, Head of the Department of Sociology (Coordinator of MoU between CUO and COATS), Dr. Phagunath Bhoi, Public Relations Officer, along with Dr. Jagabandhu Samal, Prof. Maguni Charan Behera, Dr. Pradeep Kumar Behera, Gopinath Pradhan, Dr. Ashok Kumar Nanda, Dr. Sabitri Majhi from COATS, and other faculty members from both institutions.
Speaking at the event, Prof. N. C. Panda, Acting Vice-Chancellor of CUO, emphasised the importance of the partnership in advancing social science research with a special focus on tribal studies.
He further highlighted the need to preserve the culture and traditions of tribal communities while working towards improving their economic conditions.
“This collaboration aims to foster research that enhances education, economy, and cultural standards among tribal populations. The MoU is timely and essential, as it will enable both institutions to jointly contribute to the development and welfare of tribal life and livelihood in the Koraput region,” he said.
The partnership signifies a strong commitment to addressing the challenges faced by marginalized tribal groups through focused research and development efforts, concluded the CUO officials.