HRD Minister Smriti Irani invites suggestions on new education policy

NEW DELHI: HRD Minister Smriti Irani today invited suggestions from teachers and students of CBSE schools on the new national education policy, the draft of which is expected to be prepared by the year end.

Presenting the CBSE awards to teachers ahead of the national teacher's day celebrations on September 5, the Minister also favoured introduction of three new award categories including a category that recognises a teacher's achievement in promoting education in rural areas.

"CBSE should also be involved in drafting the new national education policy and should ask the students and teachers about their views, the inputs of which should be collected by November 15," she said at the award function.

The new education policy seeks to involve stakeholders from cross sections of the society including the teachers and students, the consultation process of which has began from January this year.

Hailing the achievements of the teachers who were felicitated at the event, she asked CBSE to constitute three award categories, felicitating teachers who promote performing arts, who venture beyond the classrooms and promote innovation and those who promote teaching in rural areas.

Thirty-four teachers from across the country and abroad were conferred the CBSE award for their innovations in classroom teaching.

The selection of the awardees is based on the academic efficiency and desire for improvement, genuine interest and reputation in the community, love for children, perseverance and commitment towards the field of education.

Sixteen mentors were also awarded for collaboration and handholding through regular visits to clusters of schools for promoting quality.

The Mentors awards recognise principals who go an extra mile in their endeavour to promote excellence.

Mentors are selected on the basis of their training experience, professional guidance, positive role-modelling, collaboration with mentee schools and initiating innovative practices.

These awards consist of a Merit certificate, a shawl and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.

The process of selection is both rigorous and transparent.