Kollam: University of Calicut’s move to resume distance education courses is expected to be a setback for Sree Narayana Guru Open University, which has moved to join a High Court case challenging activities that undermine its mandate.

The first Open University in Kerala, named after Sree Narayana Guru, was established in Kollam on October 2, 2020, consolidating distance education courses previously offered by various universities in the state. The Higher Education Department completed the establishment process with Legislative Assembly approval. Until the university became fully operational, other universities were permitted to continue offering distance education. Sree Narayana Guru Open University had requested that other institutions halt such courses once it was fully functional. When this was ignored, the university approached the Higher Education Department.

Currently, around 70,000 students are enrolled in 31 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the Open University. With a target of reaching 1,00,000 learners, the university is opposing Calicut University’s move to resume UGC-approved distance education courses. The Open University has decided to become a party to the High Court case, arguing that the proposal bypasses both the legislature and the Higher Education Department.

The university faces significant operational challenges, including the absence of permanent staff and a headquarters, leaving its long-term viability at risk if other universities continue running competing distant education courses.