State awards for distinguished teachers in Technical Education to be introduced

Ten awards to be conferred annually across six categories on Teachers' Day

SHIMLA -4^th April, 2025The State Government has given its nod to introduce a State Award scheme to honor distinguished teachers of the Technical Education Department. On the directives of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the initiative aims to recognize the valuable contributions of teaching professionals and to acknowledge exemplary service, innovation and dedication in the field of Technical Education. Under this scheme, maximum of ten awards will be conferred annually across six categories including three awards for Best Teacher Award (ITIs level) two each for Research Excellence & Innovation Award (Degree level) and Industry Collaboration award (Polytechnics and ITIs) and one each for Best Teachers (Polytechnics level), Best Teacher (Pharmacy College level) and Best Teachers (Engineering College level) The awards would be presented annually on 5th September (Teachers' Day) by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh and it will include a medal, Himachali cap or scarf, shawl, books, memento, certificate of recognition and citation.

The move aims at recognizing the role of teachers in shaping the future of the youth and is a part of the state government's broader vision to promote a culture of excellence in Technical Education and to incentivize outstanding and innovation work by the faculty members. The Scheme seeks to honor those educators whose contributions in teaching, mentorship, Institutional development, community outreach, research and innovation have made a significant impact on student outcomes and overall quality education in the state.

The teachers will be assessed on parameters including academic excellence, research output, innovative instructional methods, development of instructional content and curriculum, guidance of students projects, research publications, patents and the creation of tools, devices and software applications. Contributions in at least one of the areas academic innovation, Industry collaboration, patent filling or student placement will be essential for eligibility.

The selection process will involve a multi tiered evaluation. Initially a committee of experts nominated by the Technical Education Department will screen nominations received from institutions. A High level committee chaired by the Director of Technical Education will then review and recommend suitable candidates, following which the state selection committee under the chairmanship of Secretary will make the final selection.

The award will be conferred only once in a teacher's service carrier. Retired teachers and those facing disciplinary action will not be eligible. Only serving teachers up to 30^th April of the relevant award year will be considered. Separate evaluation criteria will be applied for teachers from Engineering and Pharmacy College, Polytechnics and Industrial Training Institutes.

At present the government is operating five Engineering colleges, five Pharmacy colleges, 17 Polytechnics and 153 Industrial Training Institutes in the State. In addition, 180 private institutions are also delivering Technical Education across the State.

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