CUO and COATS sign MoU to strengthen Tribal research and development

The Central University of Odisha (CUO) and the Council of Analytical Tribal Studies (COATS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research and development initiatives, as well as academic exchanges focusing on tribal communities, particularly those residing in the Scheduled Areas of Odisha, including the erstwhile Koraput, Balangir, and Kalahandi (KBK) districts.

Under the agreement, the MoU will remain effective for the next three years and may be renewed for another three years with mutual consent.

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The MoU was signed by Prof NC Panda, Acting Vice-Chancellor of CUO, and Dr PC Mohapatro, Director of COATS, in the presence of key officials. Attendees included Dr. Duryadhan Sethy, CUO Finance Officer and Registrar (I/c); Dr. Kapila Khemundu, Head of the Department of Sociology and Coordinator of the MoU; Dr. Phagunath Bhoi, Public Relations Officer; along with Dr. Jagabandhu Samal, Prof. Maguni Charan Behera, Dr. Pradeep Kumar Behera, Mr. Gopinath Pradhan, Dr. Ashok Kumar Nanda, and Dr. Sabitri Majhi from COATS, as well as other faculty members from both institutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. N. C. Panda emphasized the importance of the partnership in advancing social science research with a special focus on tribal studies. He underlined the need to preserve the culture and traditions of tribal communities while simultaneously working to improve 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, CUO officials concluded.