In a strategic push toward overhauling higher education in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has called for comprehensive reforms to make education more employment-oriented and globally relevant, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
During a review meeting held at the Secretariat on Thursday, Dhami directed senior officials to prioritise improved student attendance and integrate vocational, entrepreneurial, and employment-linked training across all higher education institutions in the state.
Emphasis on Skill Development and Global Readiness
Highlighting the growing demand for skilled professionals abroad, Dhami stressed the need to incorporate foreign language training and country-specific skill development to equip Uttarakhand’s youth for global employment markets.
“Training should be aligned with human resource needs of foreign nations through coordination with embassies,” he advised, adding that this would enhance India’s contribution to the international skilled workforce.
Faculty Training and Infrastructure Development
To maintain high academic standards, the Chief Minister underscored the necessity for professors and lecturers to receive training in modern technologies. He called for:
- Enhanced availability of digital teaching aids
- Fully equipped laboratories in colleges and universities
- Library upgrades with sufficient academic and competitive exam resources
- A robust e-library system providing free access to essential learning material
National Education Policy Implementation
Dhami urged authorities to accelerate the rollout of NEP 2020, aligning curricula with innovation, research, and real-world applications. He recommended partnerships with reputed educational institutions to guide curriculum reforms and foster academic excellence.
He also emphasized the importance of NAAC accreditation, encouraging wider participation among the state’s higher education institutions to ensure quality benchmarks are consistently met.
Bharat Darshan Yojana and Student Exposure
As part of student engagement, Dhami highlighted the Bharat Darshan Yojana, a state initiative that offers educational tours for meritorious students to prestigious institutions across India. The aim is to broaden exposure and encourage academic aspirations.
Vision for the Future
In his closing remarks, Dhami said that vocational courses should become a core component of college education and that the future of higher education lies in aligning academics with innovation and employability.
This vision, if fully realized, positions Uttarakhand as a proactive state in adopting NEP 2020, preparing students not only for local job markets but also for global opportunities.
