Govt approves state awards for teachers in technical education
Tribune News Service
Shimla, April 4
The state government has given approval for the introduction of a state award scheme to honour distinguished teachers of the Technical Education Department. On the direction of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the initiative has been planned to recognise the valuable contributions of teaching professionals and acknowledge exemplary service, innovation and dedication in the field of technical education.
Under the scheme, a maximum of 10 awards will be conferred every year under six categories, including three awards for best teacher (ITI level), two each for research excellence and innovation (degree level) and industry collaboration (polytechnics and ITIs) and one each for best teachers (polytechnic level), best teacher (pharmacy college level) and best teachers (engineering college level). The Governor will give away awards on Teacher’s Day on September 5 and these will include a medal, Himachali cap or scarf, shawl, books, memento, certificate of recognition and a citation.
The scheme seeks to honour educators whose contributions to teaching, mentorship, institutional development, community outreach, research and innovation have made a significant impact on student outcomes and the overall quality of education in the state.
The teachers will be assessed on various parameters, including academic excellence, research output, innovative instructional methods, development of instructional content and curriculum, guidance of students’ projects, research publications, patents and the creation of tools, devices and software applications. Contribution to at least one of the areas – academic innovation, industry collaboration, patent filing or student placement – will be essential for eligibility.
The selection process will involve a multi-tier evaluation and a committee of experts nominated by the Technical Education Department will screen nominations received from institutions. A high-level committee chaired by the Director of Technical Education will review and recommend suitable candidates, following which the state selection committee under the chairmanship of the Secretary will make the final selection.
Only serving teachers up to April 30 will be considered. Retired teachers and those facing disciplinary action will not be eligible. A separate evaluation criteria will be applied for teachers from engineering and pharmacy colleges, polytechnics and industrial training institutes. The government operates five engineering colleges, five pharmacy colleges, 17 polytechnics and 153 industrial training institutes in the state. Besides, 180 private institutions are also delivering technical education in the state.
Himachal Tribune