On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, a grand felicitation ceremony was organised at Lok Bhavan in the state capital on September 5. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honoured 66 teachers from primary schools and 15 from the secondary education department with the State Teacher Award. Along with the awards, he also presented tablets and certificates to principals for introducing smart classes. This also helped in strengthening digital monitoring in government schools.
‘Teachers are like a lamp’ – Education Minister
Addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Basic Education (Independent Charge) Sandeep Singh said that the day was not only about honouring teachers but also about saluting their dedication. He recalled the contribution of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, calling him “a true nation-builder.” Comparing teachers to a lamp, he added, “A teacher burns himself to light the path of others.”
Transformation in Basic Education in Eight Years
Singh highlighted that in the last eight years, the image of the Basic Education Department has changed significantly. The state government, he said, is ensuring quality education for every child without discrimination. He also unveiled the “Gullak Book”, designed to spark children’s imagination, and introduced the Bal Vatika Handbook.
NCERT Books to be Introduced in Basic Schools
The minister informed that under the National Education Policy (NEP), schools are adopting new models. These include learning by doing and digital classrooms. He announced that NCERT books will soon be introduced in basic education. This will start from class four next year. It will gradually extend up to class eight. Plans are also underway to upgrade Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas to class 13. Additionally, they plan to establish two CM Model Composite Schools in every district.
2,107 Schools Revamped with ₹1104 Crore Investment
Minister of State for Secondary Education (Independent Charge) Gulab Devi said that 15 teachers from the department were honoured during the ceremony. She informed that under Project Alankar, 2,107 schools have been modernised. This was achieved with an investment of ₹1104 crore. Additionally, ₹134 crore has been sanctioned for aided schools, benefiting 368 institutions.
She noted that NITI Aayog has also praised Uttar Pradesh’s initiatives and advised other states to implement similar models. Efforts are being made to boost vocational education, strengthen Sanskrit schools, and establish ICT labs across the state.
Crackdown on Exam Malpractice
Highlighting reforms since 2017, she said that cheating mafias have been effectively eliminated. Anyone caught indulging in organised cheating will face a fine of ₹1 crore and lifetime imprisonment. Further, new tamper-proof marksheets have been introduced. This is to ensure transparency.
“Teacher makes a student noble and great” – Gulab Devi
Emphasising the role of teachers, Gulab Devi said, “A teacher not only imparts knowledge but also makes us noble and great.” She underlined that teachers are essential for both governance and society. They must create students committed to serving the community.
