East and North-East Region Graduate Employability Framework Workshop Paves the Way for Open University Students

The three-day workshop on the “Development of Institutional Graduate Employability Framework in Open Universities of East and North-East States” concluded on 22 March 2025 at Netaji Subhas Open University in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Organised by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and its regional centre, the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), in collaboration with NSOU, the event brought together Vice Chancellors, faculty members, and staff from NSOU, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU), Assam; Nalanda Open University, Bihar; Jharkhand State Open University, and industry leaders to address the pressing challenges of graduate employability (GE) in the region. 

As the Guest of Honour, Professor (Dr) Rajendra Prasad Das, Vice Chancellor of KKHSOU, highlighted the disconnect between academia and industry in his inaugural address. “Industry leaders often question whether graduates meet their expectations, particularly in soft skills and communication. Open Universities must bridge this skills gap, and strengthen their placement cells,” he noted. He also stressed the need to change the perception that OU graduates are less employable, pointing out that self-motivated learners in OUs are highly aspirational and capable. 

Professor Indrajit Lahiri, Vice Chancellor of NSOU, presided over the inaugural session, and thanked COL and CEMCA for their unwavering support. He emphasised the transformative potential of the workshop. “This initiative holds immense significance for one of India’s most dynamic regions. By equipping our graduates with essential employability skills, we are preparing them to lead the workforce of the future,” he stated.

Dr B. Shadrach, Director of COL-CEMCA, delivered a compelling keynote address, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of OU students, including working professionals, remote learners, and even prison inmates. “These learners join OUs for upskilling, entrepreneurship, or competitive exam preparation, but their ultimate goal is employment. OUs must ensure their curricula align with industry demands and equip students with practical skills,” he said.

The Chief Guest, CA Smarajit Mitra, Chairman, Council on HR and Skill Development, Merchants' Chamber of Commerce and Industry, West Bengal, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the urgency for educational institutions to adapt to market needs. “Only 51 percent of Indian graduates are employable. The industry needs adaptable, skilled individuals, and OUs must rise to this challenge,” he said.    

The workshop participants were welcomed by Professor (Dr) Anirban Ghosh, Director of the Centre for Internal Quality Assurance (CIQA) at NSOU. “Open Universities provide access to education, but employability remains a challenge. This workshop is a crucial step in overcoming these challenges and developing frameworks that will guide our institutions forward,” he said.   

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Papiya Upadhyay, the event coordinator. The collective insights from the workshop are expected to shape a robust GE framework, ensuring that Open Universities continue to empower learners and meet the evolving demands of the job market.