Three-Day Workshop on Graduate Employability and RBM Framework Inaugurated at Uttarakhand Open University

Haldwani, Feb 2, 2026: Uttarakhand Open University (UOU) today inaugurated a three-day workshop on “Graduate Employability and Result-Based Management (RBM) Framework” in collaboration with the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA). The workshop, which will continue until February 4, 2026, aims to enhance graduate employability and integrate skills-based curriculum into academic programs, with participation from faculty members across the university.

The inaugural session began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naveen Chandra Lohani, who emphasized that interactive sessions and expert-led discussions would equip faculty members with practical knowledge on Outcome-Based Education (OBE), employability skills, competency mapping, and industry-oriented curriculum development. Prof. Lohani highlighted that the workshop would focus on designing modular, flexible, and skill-oriented courses in alignment with national frameworks such as the National Credit Framework (NCRF) and the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), ensuring that graduates are not only academically competent but also prepared for real-world workplace challenges.

In his address, Director of Academic Affairs Prof. P.D. Pant stated that the workshop had been organized to improve the quality, relevance, and employability of UOU’s academic programs. He underscored the importance of moving beyond traditional content delivery to equip graduates with workplace efficiency, digital literacy, and adaptive skills that meet the evolving expectations of industries.

Dr. B. Shadrak, Director of CEMCA, New Delhi, pointed out that employability had become a key priority for higher education institutions, with employers increasingly seeking graduates capable of applying theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. He described RBM as a strategic framework that shifts focus from inputs and activities to measurable learning outcomes and long-term impact, with employability integrated as a core component.

Highlighting the increasing demand for practical, modular courses, Prof. Rajesh P. Khambayat, Project Consultant at CEMCA and expert from the National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research (NITTTR), Bhopal, stressed that the workshop would enable participants to develop frameworks for reviewing, approving, and implementing new curriculum modifications within UOU’s academic programs. He also elaborated on the significance of linking employability skills with outcome-based education to ensure that graduates achieve tangible competencies and career readiness.

The first day of the workshop featured four technical sessions, focusing on curriculum assessment, competency-based curriculum design, curriculum enhancement, and interactive question-and-answer discussions.

The sessions were chaired and moderated by senior faculty, including Dr. Gopal Datt, while Dr. Vishal Kumar Sharma delivered the vote of thanks.

The discussions provided participants with opportunities to share experiences, clarify doubts, and engage in collaborative planning for curriculum development aligned with industry needs.

The inauguration and sessions were attended by all directors of the university, including Prof. Girija Pandey, Prof. Renu Prakash, Prof. Jeetendra Pandey, Prof. M.M. Joshi, Prof. Diger Singh, Prof. Gagan Singh, Prof. Rakesh Rayal, Prof. Manjari Agrawal, Prof. Ashutosh Bhatt, Prof. Arvind Bhatt, Prof. Kamal Devalal, and Prof. P.K. Sehgal, along with professors, administrative officers, and other key faculty members such as Dr. Shyam Kunjwal, Dr. Balm Singh Daphoti, Dr. Neelima Budhani, Dr. Manoj Kumar Pandey, Dr. Dinesh Kandpal, Dr. Vinod Kumar, Dr. Geetanjali Sharma, Shri Sunil Tiwari, Dr. Rakesh Pant, Dr. Vinay Rawat, Dr. Harimohan Bhandari, Dr. Pradeep Kumar Pant, Shri Manoj Pandey, Shri Anurag Bhatt, Dr. Prabha Bisht Dhondiyal, Dr. Priyanka Sharma, Dr. Nirmala Taragi, Dr. Neeraj Joshi, Dr. Pooja Hairia, Dr. Ashish Tamta, Ms. Lalita Bisht, Shri Ashish Joshi, Riya Giri, Dr. S.N. Ojha, Himani Shah, Rajesh Arya, Vineet Pauriyal, Shri Mohit Rawat, Shri Pawan Kumar, Rakesh Papne, Akanksha Rawat, and Ritu Bora.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lohani concluded by noting that the workshop would not only strengthen UOU’s institutional mission of delivering quality and employment-focused education through the ODL mode, but would also provide faculty members with actionable insights into modular, skill-oriented curriculum development, industry-linked learning outcomes, and competency mapping. The workshop will continue over the next two days, including technical sessions, curriculum exercises, expert guidance, and industry-focused employability workshops

.The three-day initiative is expected to set new benchmarks in integrating graduate employability with result-based management and to enhance the university’s efforts in providing students with practical, industry-ready skills that complement academic knowledge.