Himachal News: State Award Scheme Launched to Honor Distinguished Teachers in Technical Education

Shimla, April 5: The Himachal Pradesh government has launched a new State Award Scheme to honor distinguished teachers in the Technical Education Department. Approved under the instructions of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the scheme aims to recognize the valuable contributions, innovation, dedication, and services of teachers in the field of technical education.

Honoring Excellence in Technical Education

The newly launched scheme will annually recognize 10 teachers across 6 categories. These include three awards for the Best Teacher in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), two awards each for Research Excellence and Innovation Award (degree level), and Industry Collaboration Awards for polytechnics and ITIs. Additionally, one award will be presented for the Best Teacher in Polytechnics, Engineering, and Pharmacy Colleges.

The awards will be presented by the Governor on Teachers’ Day, celebrated every year on September 5. The selected teachers will be honored with medals, Himachali caps, scarves, shawls, books, souvenirs, and recognition citations, serving as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Recognizing Teachers’ Contributions to Student Development and Innovation

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to promoting excellence in technical education and acknowledging the remarkable work of teachers who have contributed significantly to the development of students and the advancement of the education sector. Teachers will be honored for their contributions in education, institution development, mentorship, social outreach, research, and innovation.

Eligibility and Selection Process

Teachers will be selected based on a wide range of criteria, including academic excellence, research work, innovative teaching methods, curriculum development, student projects, guidance, research publications, patents, industrial collaborations, and the creation of software or equipment. The eligibility criteria also include special contributions in areas like academic innovation, industrial collaboration, patent filing, or student placement.

The selection process will involve multiple levels of evaluation. Initially, an expert committee nominated by the Technical Education Department will review the nominations received from educational institutions. Following this, a high-level committee headed by the Director of Technical Education will recommend suitable candidates, and the final selection will be made by the State Level Selection Committee under the chairmanship of the Secretary (Technical Education).

Eligibility and Restrictions

The award will be given only once during a teacher’s service period. Teachers who are retired or involved in disciplinary proceedings will not be eligible for the award. Only those teachers who remain in service until April 30 of the award year will be considered for the honor. Different evaluation criteria will be applied for teachers in engineering colleges, pharmacy colleges, polytechnics, and industrial training institutes.

At present, the state government operates five engineering colleges, five pharmacy colleges, 17 polytechnics, and 153 ITIs, along with 180 private institutes offering technical education across Himachal Pradesh.

This new initiative by the government is expected to inspire teachers across the state to continue their invaluable work in shaping the future of students in the field of technical education.