NATIONAL AWARD FOR TEACHERS - AWARDS

News: The National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2024, announced by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.

 

What’s in the news?

Details

  • On August 28, 2024, the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, announced the selection of 16 outstanding teachers for the National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2024.
  • The NAT Awards celebrate the contributions of educators who excel in various aspects of teaching, research, and community engagement.

 

Teachers' Day, celebrated annually on 5th September since 1962, honours the contributions of educators, including teachers, researchers, and professors in India.

 

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the President of India at the time, suggested observing his birthday as Teachers' Day in response to students' requests for celebration.

 

About Radhakrishnan:

·           Birth: He was born into a Telugu family in Tiruttani town of Tamil Nadu, on 5th September, 1888.

·           Academics: He studied philosophy at Christian College, Madras, and later became a professor at Madras Presidency College and the University of Mysore.

·           Employment: He served as the first Vice-President of India from 1952 to 1962 and the second President of India from 1962 to 1967.

·           He was also the Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952. He was the fourth Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University from 1939 to 1948.

·           Recognition: In 1984, he was posthumously (after death) awarded the Bharat Ratna.

·           Notable Works: Reign of Religion in Contemporary Philosophy, Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore, The Hindu View of Life, Kalki or the Future of Civilisation, An Idealist View of Life, The Religion We Need, India and China, and Gautama the Buddha.

 

Award Categories

  • Category I: Teachers of Higher Educational Institutions
      • Sub-category (i): Engineering & Technology, Architecture
      • Sub-category (ii): Pure Sciences (Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, etc.)
      • Sub-category (iii): Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, Commerce, Management
  • Category II: Teachers of Polytechnic Institutions

 

Eligibility Conditions

  • Type of Schools:
      • Includes schools run by State Governments, Union Territories (UTs), local bodies, and schools that receive aid from these administrations. Private schools affiliated with State or UT Boards are also eligible.
      • Covers Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Sainik Schools (run by the Ministry of Defence), Atomic Energy Education Society (AEES) schools, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) run by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
      • Schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and the Council for Indian Schools Certificate Examination (CISCE).
  • Eligibility Exclusions:
      • Normally, retired teachers are not eligible. However, teachers who have served at least part of the calendar year (up to 30th April in the year of the award) may be considered if they meet all other eligibility conditions.
      • Positions such as Inspectors of Education, training institute staff, and other educational administrators are not eligible for these awards.
      • Teachers or headmasters who have been involved in disciplinary issues or have a questionable record are not eligible.
  • Service Requirements:
      • Only regular teachers and heads of schools with a minimum of ten years of service are eligible.
      • Individuals in contractual positions or Shiksha Mitras (volunteers) are not eligible for these awards.
      • The focus is on regular and permanent staff who have demonstrated consistent commitment over time.

Selection Criteria

  • Nominations were accepted through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, allowing for self, institutional, and peer nominations, reflecting the principles of Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation).
  • Evaluation Parameter
      • Teaching Learning Effectiveness: The quality and impact of teaching methods.
      • Outreach Activities: Engagement in community and professional activities.
      • Research and Innovation: Contributions to research and academic advancements.
      • Sponsored Research/ Faculty Development Programs/ Consultancy Teaching: Involvement in sponsored research, faculty development, and consultancy.
  • Selection Procedure:
      • Preliminary Screening: A committee initially reviews nominations to shortlist candidates.
      • Jury Evaluation: A final jury selects awardees from the shortlisted candidates based on a detailed evaluation.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2049495