News & Announcement

Chief Minister honours teachers for dedicated service at State Level Teacher’s Day Celebration

Date: 05-Sep-2024
Gangtok, September 5 (IPR): Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang-Golay attended the State Level Teacher's Day celebrations at Manan Kendra today.
The event also had the presence of Madam 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.
Education Minister, Mr Raju Basnet in his brief address cited the enduring legacies of luminaries such as Dr S Radhakrishnan. He spoke of various State initiatives aimed at empowering teachers, including professional development programmes, access to essential resources, and recognition for their outstanding contribution to education. He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and raising educational standards across the State.
He expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for the regularisation of ad-hoc teachers and highlighted that the completion of Khangchendzonga State University is on the horizon. He noted that schools are being equipped with essential resources such as books, uniforms, and mid-day meals. Moving forward, he emphasised the importance of adopting a child-centric approach to education.
He remarked that teachers serve as leaders and role models, and it is their responsibility to inspire students to progress. He urged educators to give personalised attention to students, stressing the importance of addressing low enrollment rates and the teacher-student ratio. He stated that for those in charge, it is an opportunity to showcase their leadership and lead with capability.
The Minister also discussed the importance of implementing the New Education Policy(NEP) pointing out the need for multidisciplinary colleges, the upcoming segregation process, and the provision of multiple entry options for students.
He congratulated the State and Commendation Awardees, acknowledging that these awards were selected by the jury based on merit. The Minister encouraged both teachers and students to aspire to greatness and uphold the relentless pursuit of knowledge. He extended special congratulations to Mrs Yankila Lama and expressed his gratitude to the department for organising such a meaningful event.
Earlier, the Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department, Mr R Telang, delivered a comprehensive welcome address, outlining key initiatives in the education department's vision for a transformative future, focusing on holistic student development, teacher empowerment, and technology integration. The vision aims to create well-rounded, emotionally intelligent, and socially responsible individuals, he stated. He also presented the State's vision, mission and action plans for the education sector emphasising the importance of addressing various challenges to achieve effective human resource management through active participation of all stakeholders. He informed about the Chief Minister's Mentorship Programme to ensure no student fails the Class (X) Board Exam and highlighted the importance of attendance tracking, report card generation through MIS portals, and a special numeracy programme. He urged for adapting to the NEP 2020's new pedagogy and assessment practices, urging collective effort for educational excellence.
The event included handing over of cash awards to recipients of the prestigious National Award to Teachers (NAT), 2023. A cash award of Rs 1 lakh was presented to Dr Purna Bahadur Chettri, Principal, Govt SSS, Soreng.
On the occasion, the following teachers and Head Masters/Head Mistresses from all six districts were presented with State Awards 2024 along with a cash award of Rs 50,000 each.
Mr Dhan Kumar Gurung, HM, Govt. PS, Ramidham, Soreng
Mr Mahendra Dong, GT, Arts, Govt. SSS, Chakung, Soreng
Mrs Tilarupa Dhakal, HM, Govt. PS, Sindrong, Gyalshing
Mr Dal Bahadur Thapa, PRT, Govt. PS, Dhargoan, Namchi
Mr Deepak Kumar Sharma, HM, Govt. JHS, Rateypani Passi, Namchi
Mrs Dawkit Bhutia, PRT, Govt SS, Singhik, Mangan
Mrs Dhan Kumari Pradhan, PRT, Govt. SS, Chanatar, Pakyong
Mr Tek Nath Poudyal, HM, Govt. JHS, Rhenock Bazar, Pakyong
Mrs Chumthi Kazi, HM, Govt PS Machelakha, Gangtok
Mr Rama Chettri, PGT English, PM Sir Tashi Namgyal Govt SSS, Gangtok
Subsequently, a Commendation Certificate and a cash award of Rs 25,000 were also handed over to teachers. The recipients are:
Ms Sharmila Chettri, PRT, PM Shri Govt SSS, Soreng
Mr Moti Bahadur Subba, PRT, Govt SS, Lungchok, Soreng
Ms Tshering Yangchen Bhutia, GT Bhutia, Govt SSS, Sombaria, Soreng
Mr Hem Raj Gurung, GT, Science, Kaluk, Soreng
Mr Dinesh Sharma PRT, Govt PS, Tijek, Gyalshing
Mr Sudip Subba, HM, PS, Govt PS, Pewthang, Gyalshing
Mr Niren Kumar Tamang, HM, Govt JHS, Hee Kengbari, Gyalshing
Mr Dhanapati Sharma, GT, Arts, Govt JHS, Najoor Berfok, Gyalshing
Ms Chumden Bhutia, PPT, Govt JHS, Temi Tea Garden, Namchi
Mr Deepak Gurung, PRT, Govt PS, Upper Borong, Namchi
Ms Phip Rani Subba, PRT, Govt SSS, Nandugoan, Namchi
Ms Phurba Doma Sherpa PPT, Govt PS, Mangbrue, Namchi
Ms Ritu Rai, GT, Arts, Govt New SS, Namchi, Namchi
Mr Bhim Prasad Sharma, GT, Science, Govt Girls SSS, Namchi, Namchi
Ms Namgay Doma Bhutia, PRT, Govt PS, Phodong Gumpa, Mangan
Mr Chewang Chopel Lachungpa, HM, Govt PS, Shipthang, Mangan
Mr Thendup Tshering Lepcha, GT, Arts, Govt SS, Manual, Mangan
Mr Karma Lodey Bhutia, PRT, Govt SS, Assam Lingzey, Pakyong
Ms Meena Kumari Chettri, PRT, Govt PS, Ankuchen, Pakyong
Mr Netra Prasad Sharma, GT, Science, Govt SS, Dalapchand, Pakyong
Mr Sudarshan Khatiwara, HM, JHS, Govt JHS, Kamaray, Pakyong
Mr Sonam Nedup Bhutia, PRT, Bhusuk, Govt JHS, Gangtok
Mr Rohit Kumar Gautam, PRT, PM Shri SSS, Samdong, Gangtok Sharma
Ms Kabita Bhusal, PRT, PM Shri Govt Singtam SSS, Gangtok
Ms Ongmu Lepcha, PGT(Lepcha), PM Shri Govt SSS, Deorali, Gangtok
Mr Uma Pati Dhakal, HM, Govt JHS, Rey Mindu, Gangtok
Subsequently, a certificate was also presented to Mrs Yankila Lama, Modern Senior Secondary School who has been selected for the prestigious National Teachers Award 2024
Mementos to the Principals of the following topper schools of CBSE were also presented in the programme:
PM Shri Samdong Sr Sec School, Commerce class XII
Mamring Sr Sec School IT, Class XII
PM Shri Lingmo, Kolthang Sr Secondary School, Science Class XII
PM Shri Sadam SSS, Arts, Class XII
PM Shri Rangpo SSS, for Class X topper
Thereafter, a token of appreciation was presented to the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang by State Awardee Teachers 2023.
Likewise, the Sikkim Teacher Association (STA) also presented a token of appreciation to the Chief Minister of the State.
Literary Certificates under ULLAS - NILP were handed by the chief guest to Mrs Meena Hangma Limboo, 62 yrs, Soreng, Mrs Meena Tamang, 61yrs, Gangtok and Ms Norkit Lepcha, 38yrs, Mangan.
During the celebration, the Chief Minister's Mentorship Program for Board Exam was launched by the Chief guest. A guidebook on this was also released.
A cheque of rupees one crore was further handed over to the Shri Sathya Sai Committee Member by the chief guest for the construction of the Shri Sathya Sai Sewa Mandir at Baluwakhani.
State Awardee Ms Rama Chettri, on behalf of the State and Commendation awardees, expressed heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the State Award from the Chief Minister of Sikkim. In her address, she acknowledged the government's unwavering commitment to advancing education, emphasising the vital role of educators in shaping the future. She underscored the profound responsibility that accompanies such recognition, pledging to uphold the standards expected of them. She assured the Education Department of their collective dedication to nurturing quality students, whose growth and excellence are paramount to the nation's progress.
The programme was also addressed by STA President, Mr Kunzang Sherpa.
The event also featured songs presented by students Aho Kisan SS, first-year trainees of DIET, Gangtok and STA. A short video on the progress and achievement of the education department was also presented at the event.
Similarly, a short video by SERT on the classroom activities of the Special Numeracy programme was presented.
The celebrations concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Secretary, Education Department, Mr Tashi Chopel Lepcha.