To motivate teachers, Badal govt to give lifetime achievement award

To recognise outstanding contribution of teachers towards quality education, Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Thursday announced to institute a ‘lifetime achievement award’ with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh each for a male and female government school teacher.

The award would be given to deserving teachers every year on September 5 (Teacher’s Day), said Badal while addressing a gathering of students from various schools during the launch of ‘Mukh Mantri Vigyan Yatra’ here.

“The award will encourage educators to excel in the field of education by upgrading their skills and adopting innovative techniques,” said the chief minister, adding that the government has decided to enhance the award money given to teachers who are conferred with the state award from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000.

Dwelling on the ‘Vigyan Yatra’ scheme, Badal said it aims at developing interest in science subject among students of class 6thand above in government schools across the state.

He said under the scheme,over 28,000 students would be taken for an excursion to Pushpa Gujral Science City in Kapurthala free of cost. Later, the chief minister also flagged off buses to the science city.

A special performance

A special student of government girls senior secondary school, Fazilka, won the hearts of audience, including Badal, with her dance performance.

Wheelchair-bound Rekha Rani drew applause from everyone as she danced using her hands.

Later, the chief minister honoured her with a cheque of Rs 1 lakh. “Put it into your account and the interest will help you pursue your studies. Whenever you need any help, just approach me,” Badal told Rani.