Don't lobby for favourable postings: Education Secy to teachers
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 10 2025: Education (Schools) secretary Naorem Praveen has stated that teachers should avoid trying to lobby for transfer orders in "favourable" locations.

The valedictory function of the five-day 43rd Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition for Children 2024-25, organised by Science Unit of Education (S) on the topic 'Science and Technology for sustainable future' was held along with prize distribution function at Ram Lal Paul Higher Secondary School, Keishamthong, here on Thursday.

Sainik School, Imphal student Sanathoi Nongthombam won the best exhibitor, Lamdeng High School student Chingangbam Linthoilembi secured second best exhibitor and Ukhrul Central School student Leishangthem Sylvia Chanu won the third best exhibitor.

They were awarded cash prize of Rs 15,000, 10,000 and 7000 respectively along with certificate and memento each.

Don't lobby for favourable postings: Education Secy to teachers

Eighteen other students were awarded Rs 2500, certificate and memento each as merit prize, while all the other exhibitors were presented with consolation prizes.

The top three exhibitors along with the 18 merit prize winners would present their projects at the national level exhibition.

The winners of the 44th State Level Students' Science Seminar held last November and who represented the state at the national level were also felicitated on the occasion.

They included Padma Ratna English School student Sruty Wangjam and other position holders.

In his speech as the chief guest, secretary Praveen said creativity and innovative abilities shown by students during the exhibition is heart-warming.

He continued that under NEP 2020, with vocational training as the focus, efforts have been made to teach professional and life skills so that students would go on to contribute the society in varied ways and not just the subjects they excel in.

Stating that large companies in China are able to provide jobs to youth as the country is emphasising on vocational and hands-on training, thereby increasing the number of skilled labour and suitable wages; he said that the education system in India is also according priority to skill development.

Although the system teaches life and professional skills, there are many areas lacking, he remarked.

The secretary expressed firm belief that the students who participated in the exhibition would endeavour to contribute to the society.

He then informed that funds are being sanctioned under Samaghra Shiksha to develop the infrastructures for schools and urged all to be serious about the vocational training provided in schools, while remarking as unfortunate that the same has been taken lightly.

Regarding transfer policy, Praveen regretted existence of people not following the transfer orders issued by the department.

He said that teachers play an important role in the development of a society and urged all concerned to stop trying to lobby for "favourable" postings.

As per the transfer policy, a newly recruited teacher will be posted in a remote location and then closer after a few years, and then nearest to home when retirement is near, explained the secretary.

He urged all concerned to support the government's decision in this regard.

Stating that neither the secretary nor the director can help improve school education other than joint efforts, Praveen invited suggestions to solve all outstanding problems.

He then said that the Department would take selected students to various establishments including ISRO on exposure visit to help cultivate their innovative spirit.

He also informed that a pilot project is being taken up in collaboration with Jindal Steel and Power to teach Wushu to students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Andro.

The secretary also appreciated all those who are trying to promote Wushu in the state, noting that players from other states who won medals in the discipline, had all learned the sport in the state.

The sport discipline is now recognised in around 21 countries, underscoring that if one is committed in bringing about positive changes, they are bound to realise the same easily.

He also urged for promoting Thang-ta so that Thang-ta players are able to bring recognition to the state like other disciplines and be eligible for government jobs reserved for sportspersons.

Presided over by Education (S) director Ng Bogendra Meitei, the closing function was attended by Education (School/Valley) additional director Bisheshwar Khumukcham, (School/Hills) additional director Dangmei Manglem, Education (S) senior AO Soraisam David and Samagra Shiksha (Secondary) ASPD Khumukcham Renuka as guests of honour.