THE REGION
Koraput region of IGNOU cuts across two states, such as: Orissa and Chhattisgarh with a total of 13 districts in its operational jurisdiction. The region has been formed by taking the adjoining low literacy tribal districts - 9 from Orissa, and 4 from Chhattisgarh. The districts are: in Orissa - all the eight popularly known most backward KBK districts such as: Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangapur, Malkangiri, Bolangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi and Nuapada, and Boudh; in Chhattisgarh – Bastar, Bijapur, Narayanpur and Dantewada. The area lies to the south of rest of Orissa, east of rest of Chhattisgarh. The region is covered with dense forests and hilly tracts with sparse population scattered all over. Though the region is located in an economically backward zone, the pristine natural beauty of this region, the murmur of the rivers and waterfalls, the impenetrable lush green jungles, the age-old shrines and the divine simplicity of the local people make this region one of the most prominent places of cultural, historical and tourist significance.

THE REGIONAL CENTRE

Regional Centre, Koraput came into being in September 2005 after being upgraded from Sub-regional Centre which had been established in February 2004 to cater to the higher educational needs of the people inhabiting one of the most backward pockets of the country. The Regional Centre has been functioning from a small building rented out by Govt. of Orissa. With the support from heads of District Administration in all the districts under its jurisdiction, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations the Regional Centre has been able to reach out to the hitherto unreached tribal and rural pockets in the region with good student participation over the years. Starting with only 12 Study Centres, now the Regional Centre has about 50 Study Centres, two Community Colleges, one Partner Institute and about half a dozen of AISECT centres where more than 70 programmes are offered to the disadvantaged people of this region to facilitate their educational empowerment.