NATIONAL AWARDS TO TEACHERS (NAT) 2024

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Context:

The National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2024, announced by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.

Details

• On August 28, 2024, the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, announced the selection of 16 outstanding teachers for the National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2024.
• The NAT Awards celebrate the contributions of educators who excel in various aspects of teaching, research, and community engagement.

Award Categories

• Category I: Teachers of Higher Educational Institutions
  • • Sub-category (i): Engineering & Technology, Architecture
    • Sub-category (ii): Pure Sciences (Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, etc.)
    • Sub-category (iii): Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, Commerce, Management
• Category II: Teachers of Polytechnic Institutions

Eligibility Conditions

• Type of Schools:
  • • Includes schools run by State Governments, Union Territories (UTs), local bodies, and schools that receive aid from these administrations. Private schools affiliated with State or UT Boards are also eligible.
    • Covers Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Sainik Schools (run by the Ministry of Defence), Atomic Energy Education Society (AEES) schools, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) run by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
    • Schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and the Council for Indian Schools Certificate Examination (CISCE).
• Eligibility Exclusions:
  • • Normally, retired teachers are not eligible. However, teachers who have served at least part of the calendar year (up to 30th April in the year of the award) may be considered if they meet all other eligibility conditions.
    • Positions such as Inspectors of Education, training institute staff, and other educational administrators are not eligible for these awards.
    • Teachers or headmasters who have been involved in disciplinary issues or have a questionable record are not eligible.
• Service Requirements:
  • • Only regular teachers and heads of schools with a minimum of ten years of service are eligible.
    • Individuals in contractual positions or Shiksha Mitras (volunteers) are not eligible for these awards.
    • The focus is on regular and permanent staff who have demonstrated consistent commitment over time.

Selection Criteria

• Nominations were accepted through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, allowing for self, institutional, and peer nominations, reflecting the principles of Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation).
• Evaluation Parameter
  • • Teaching Learning Effectiveness: The quality and impact of teaching methods.
    • Outreach Activities: Engagement in community and professional activities.
    • Research and Innovation: Contributions to research and academic advancements.
    • Sponsored Research/ Faculty Development Programs/ Consultancy Teaching: Involvement in sponsored research, faculty development, and consultancy.
• Selection Procedure:
  • • Preliminary Screening: A committee initially reviews nominations to shortlist candidates.
    • Jury Evaluation: A final jury selects awardees from the shortlisted candidates based on a detailed evaluation.

Each awardee receives a cash prize of Rs. 50,000, a silver medal, and a certificate, serving as both recognition of their achievements and an incentive for continued excellence in their teaching careers.

Source:

PIB

Awards.Gov

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding the National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2024: 1. Retired teachers are eligible for the award. 2. Nominations were accepted through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. 3. Only regular teachers and heads of schools with a minimum of ten years of service are eligible. 4. Individuals in contractual positions or Shiksha Mitras are eligible for these awards. How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) All three D) None   Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: Normally, retired teachers are not eligible for the award, although those who have served at least part of the calendar year up to April 30 in the year of the award may be considered if they meet all other eligibility conditions. Statement 2 is correct: Nominations for NAT 2024 were accepted through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, allowing for self, institutional, and peer nominations. Statement 3 is correct: The eligibility criteria specify that only regular and permanent staff with a minimum of ten years of service are eligible for the award. Statement 4 is incorrect: Individuals in contractual positions or Shiksha Mitras (volunteers) are not eligible for the awards. The focus is on regular and permanent staff.