Gangtok, November 5 (IPR):
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) campus hosted the inauguration of its newly constructed building and the launch of the five-day SRG Orientation Programme (State Resource Groups Orientation Programme) on NCF SE-2023 (National Curriculum Framework for School Education-2023) in Lower Burtuk, today.
Mr Raju Basnet, Minister of Education, Sports & Youth Affairs and Law Departments, graced the occasion as the chief guest, in the presence of Ms Kala Rai, Area MLA cum Advisor Rural Development Department, Mr Mohan Prasad Subba, Advisor, Education Department, along with officials of the Education Department.
The programme also had the presence of Mr AB Subba, Principal Chief Engineer and Secretary of Engineering Cell under Education Department, Mr Rajdeep Rai, Chief Engineer, Education Department, Mr Robin Chettri, Director SCERT, Resource Persons from Azim Premji University, representatives from NCERT along with officials and staff of Education Department.
The Minister of Education commended officials and staff for their attendance and acknowledged the successful completion of a new infrastructure project, which boasts high-quality finishes and facilities. He emphasized the necessity for effective training programs, pointing out that the success of current initiatives is yet to be definitively assessed and that some teachers are falling short in reviewing the CBSE syllabus thoroughly.
The Minister also expressed concerns about the foundational numeracy skills of students, as assessments revealed that many are struggling with basic mathematics. To bridge these educational gaps, he stressed the importance of providing training for teachers. He discussed ongoing innovations in education and highlighted the need for a cohesive strategy to ensure students are well-prepared, especially in entrance examinations for higher education.
He mentioned that a comprehensive evaluation of existing teaching methods is essential to enhance student experiences and emphasised that training programs should empower educators to share their knowledge within their communities. His goal is for teachers to reach a proficiency level that minimises the need for ongoing training. He also appreciated the Resource Persons' contributions from the Azim Premji Foundation.
In her address, Ms Kala Rai expressed her satisfaction with the infrastructure developments that facilitate the growth of her constituency. She emphasized the significance of establishing educational institutions within localities, highlighting the myriad of opportunities they present for residents.
She remarked that the youth possess ample resources at their disposal to achieve greater success. Furthermore, she urged the resource personnel to commit fully to their roles in order to establish a comprehensive resource pool for students. Lastly, she extended her gratitude to the minister for his invaluable contributions to the field of education.
Mr Robin Chettri, in his welcome address, emphasised the institution's achievements from its inception to the present. He reflected on the early days when SCERT operated from the premises of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET). He noted that the work accomplished by SCERT has been outstanding, citing that the central textbook committee recognized a primary section publication developed by SCERT as a significant resource in the creation of a new National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) book.
A technical report was previously presented by Mr Rajdeep Rai.
Ms Tshering Lhamu Bhutia, the Additional Director of SCERT, delivered the vote of thanks.