Governor advocates transformative teacher training at LPU conference

Emphasising education as the cornerstone of national development, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria underscored the importance of teacher training in shaping the future of the country.

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Speaking at a high-level conference of academic leaders hosted by Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (LPU), the Governor urged institutions across Punjab to adopt transformative models of teacher education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP).

The conference brought together Vice-Chancellors, directors, senior bureaucrats and policymakers from public, private, and autonomous educational institutions across the state. A central focus was the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), a comprehensive four-year degree programme launched as part of NEP 2020, designed to replace traditional post-graduate B.Ed programmes with an integrated curriculum beginning after the high school.

“By equipping teachers with professional and high-quality training, we can prepare a generation of responsible and capable citizens,” Kataria said. He stressed that while infrastructure remains essential, the quality of education ultimately depends on the continuous enhancement of teacher capabilities. “Improving infrastructure is not enough, our real investment must be in teacher development,” he added.

The Governor lauded the efforts of the Punjab Government and educational institutions that have already aligned with the NEP. Several universities have begun implementing the ITEP curriculum. “Punjab is already providing high-standard education. With continued focus and innovation, it can emerge as a national leader in the education sector,” he said.

LPU, the host institution, was widely praised for its role in promoting inclusive and impactful learning. Highlighting one of its major initiatives, Kataria acknowledged LPU’s provision of full fee-waiver scholarships to over 22 lakh defence and paramilitary personnel, calling the move a “transformative tool for empowerment and national development.”

The event also served as a platform for discussing broader educational and social challenges. Addressing the state’s ongoing battle with substance abuse, the Governor called on academia to take a leading role. “We must all come together—educators, students, and families—to turn ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ into a people’s movement. Education and awareness are the most powerful tools we have. I am confident that with sustained effort, we can build a Nasha Mukt Punjab within five years,” he said.

Prominent figures present at the conference included Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal, MP and founder chancellor of the LPU, Prof (Dr.) Pankaj Arora, chairperson of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE); Prof (Dr) Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice-Chancellor LPU,Dr Rashmi Mittal, Pro-Chancellor of the LPU and former Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal.

Dr Mittal expressed gratitude to the Governor for his vision and engagement, noting that the LPU remains committed to both academic excellence and social responsibility. “We are honoured to host such a meaningful dialogue on higher education. LPU will continue to work towards innovation-driven growth and societal development,” he said.