GANGTOK: Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang-Golay attended the State Level Teacher’s Day celebrations at Manan Kendra on September 5.
The event also had the presence of Krishna Rai, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs-cum-Advisors, officers from various departments, members of the teaching fraternity and students from different schools and institutes.
The event commenced with the Chief Minister visiting the Teaching Learning Material (TLM) and Toy Exhibition organised by DIET, Gangtok. The exhibition showcased different themes like a model ECCE classroom, puppet show, indigenous toys, games, ICT and Local Languages, Literacy, numeracy and Child With Special Care (CWSN), followed by lighting of the ceremonial lamp and garlanding of the portrait of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Addressing the gathering Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang began his speech by paying homage to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a distinguished philosopher and India’s second President, whose legacy continues to inspire generations. He extended his heartfelt wishes to the teaching community, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to shaping young minds and fostering the intellectual growth of the State.
He underscored the pivotal role of teachers as the bedrock of societal advancement, emphasising that the progress of any society is intrinsically linked to the dedication and commitment of its educators. He highlighted the State Government’s unwavering commitment to transforming the education sector, unveiling a series of comprehensive initiatives aimed at addressing challenges and paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for Sikkim’s Students.
The Chief Minister stated that the government has consistently prioritised strengthening the education system, even in the face of challenges such as COVID-19 and flash floods (2023). Despite these difficulties, education has never been neglected, he added. The government has facilitated access to education through various means, ensuring that even off-grid areas receive the support they need. In recognition of their dedication, teachers with more than eight years of service have been regularised, allowing them to continue their invaluable work in remote regions, he said.
Teachers play a vital role in contributing to ‘Sunaulo Ani Samriddha Sikkim, Samarth Sikkim’ by guiding students in the right direction through their teaching and mentorship. Those who were felicitated were honoured based on merit, regardless of caste or religion, as a society must progress unitedly, free of division, he added.
In today’s technology-driven world, it is essential to continuously acquire knowledge, and education plays a crucial role in our lives, he said. The Chief Minister stressed that student life is the golden phase, where the foundation for the future is laid. The Chief Minister urged teachers to give their best efforts in their respective constituencies, emphasising the importance of their role in shaping the future.
The Chief Minister stated that the government has introduced numerous schemes in the education sector. Likewise, Gyalshing College has been provided with new infrastructure. Similarly, for Burtuk College, which is currently using the Press Campus, the government is committed to developing its infrastructure, he appraised. Additionally, a model school has been adopted in all the districts, and many students under the Chief Minister’s Merit Scholarship are currently studying, he further expressed.
Following the establishment of model schools at the district level, the State is now planning to launch a State Level Model School equipped with modern facilities, offering a high standard of education. The goal is to make Sikkim an educational hub, which will be at par with the other reputed schools of the nation leveraging its suitable weather and continuous development efforts, he stressed.
He informed that schools and colleges are being provided with ambulances and medical personnel to ensure the well-being of students. Under the Bhani Yojana scheme, support for daughters will soon extend to the college level, he added. Additionally, plans to develop a medical college in the coming years are also in the pipeline.
He reflected that in terms of language education, Sanskrit teachers have been appointed and regularised. All teachers who have met the necessary criteria have been regularised, and promotions are now based on qualifications, with Primary Teachers (PRT) being promoted to Graduate Teachers (GRT), he mentioned. Training facilities have been upgraded to meet the requirements of teachers, ensuring they are well-equipped to carry out their duties, he stated.
The government wishes to inform the public and educators that teachers posted in villages or remote districts are encouraged to remain in their assigned locations and contribute to the local education system, rather than seeking transfers. He urged educators to actively engage in the government’s transformative initiatives, emphasising that meaningful change is a collective effort.
During his address, the Chief Minister made several key announcements aimed at recognising and rewarding excellence in the education sector. He revealed that the best-performing Principal would be honoured with a Bolero vehicle, in appreciation of their outstanding leadership and contribution. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced that National Award-winning teachers would be offered an exposure trip abroad, while State Awardees would receive a similar opportunity within India.
He also spoke about two important fellowship initiatives: the Apatan Fellowship Scheme and the Nar Bahadur Bhandari Fellowship Scheme, which are designed to support and nurture academic talent. Moreover, the Chief Minister emphasised the importance of student support by mentioning the role of the Students Welfare Board, which will play a crucial part in ensuring the well-being and development of students across the region.
Reflecting on his own experiences as both a student and teacher, he expressed heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and extended his best wishes for their continued success in future endeavours. “Time management is the key,” he said. “No matter how hard you work, only genuine effort will pay off. Everything is possible with hard work and determination,” he pointed out.
Acknowledging the noble efforts of those who dedicate their lives to education, the Chief Minister assured that the government would adopt a collaborative approach to address challenges and meet the needs and expectations of all stakeholders effectively.
Lastly, he thanked the department for its initiatives that reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of education and supporting both educators and students in their academic pursuits.
- IPR
