Minister underlines teachers’ role in shaping destiny of students

The affiliation of PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS) at Nagrota Surian in Kangra district with the CBSE and its recognition as a School of Excellence reflect the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education in the state, said Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar while presiding over a function held at the school on Tuesday.

The minister, while addressing students, teachers and parents, underlined the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the destiny of students. He recalled that in earlier times, educational institutions were limited in number and students often travelled long distances to attend school. “Despite fewer resources, government schools produced students who went on to secure coveted positions in civil and military administrations,” he added.

He expressed concern over the declining strength of students in government schools and said that the increasing migration of students to private institutions had created a serious trust deficit over time. He added that around 450 government schools had been closed, which was a matter of concern. “Teachers are there, students are there, but no learning. There is need for continuous knowledge update and self-upgrade among teachers,” he asserted.

He said that the affiliation of Government Senior Secondary Schools at Nagrota Surian and Jawali with the CBSE was a step towards raising academic standards and restoring public confidence in government schools. The minister recalled a past incident and narrated how he ensured that a school building was rebuilt within three months after it was gutted by fire.

The minister said that the state government under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was keen to uplift the standards of government schools. School principal Harbhajan Singh Sohal read the annual report.