Panchkula, Sep 5 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Saturday that, starting from the upcoming academic session, teachers involved in higher education and technical education will also be honoured with the State Teacher Award.
Currently, this award is given only to teachers associated with school education.
Saini emphasised that it is the government’s priority to recognise and encourage all teachers who make outstanding contributions to the field of education while addressing a state-level function on Teachers’ Day.
Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda were also present at the event.
A total of 79 teachers were honoured for their exemplary contributions to education. Each awardee received a shawl, a medal, a certificate, a cash award of Rs 1 lakh, and two advance increments in their salary.
Extending his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all teachers on Teachers’ Day, the chief minister said that the ceremony was an opportunity to express gratitude for their dedication and commitment to education.
He said the day also marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the great teacher and former president, who dedicated his birthday to teachers.
Saini remarked on the esteemed status of the ‘Guru’ in Indian culture, stating that a teacher recognises the potential inherent in every child.
While parents give birth to a child, it is the teacher who shapes the child’s personality. A teacher’s role extends beyond helping a child pass exams; they equip students to face life’s challenges, he said.
The chief minister mentioned that we are living in a rapidly changing world, where artificial intelligence, robotics, digital technology, and the internet provide countless avenues for knowledge access.
Children can now obtain information with a single click, but there is a difference between information and wisdom, he said.
A machine can provide facts, but it cannot instil values. While AI can create a lesson plan, it cannot offer the supportive presence that a disheartened child may need; only a teacher can fulfil this role, Saini stated.
He affirmed that Haryana is continuously strengthening and improving its education system in line with this vision. The government believes that every rupee spent on education is an investment in the future of the state and its children.
Accordingly, the budget for school education for the current financial year has been increased to Rs 18,538 crore, compared to Rs 8,400 crore in 2014-15. To expand access to quality education across the state, the number of Model Sanskriti Schools has been increased to 218.
In addition, 251 PM SHRI Schools have been developed, while 250 schools are being developed as CM-EEE Schools this year. These schools will provide students studying in both Hindi and English medium with better opportunities for modern and quality education.
The chief minister also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts for the welfare of teachers.
A new teacher transfer policy has been implemented to ensure greater transparency in the transfer process, Saini said, adding that special emphasis is also being placed on the continuous professional development of teachers.
For this purpose, a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Framework has been prepared in collaboration with expert institutions.
Two phases of teacher training under the ‘Nipun Haryana’ programme have already been completed, and approximately 32,000 Primary Teachers (PRTs) are scheduled to undergo training next month, he said. PTI CHS MPL MPL
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