New Delhi: These Awards were instituted in 1958. Initially, these were given away on convenient dates. From mid-60s, 5th September came to be the date of investiture. The National Awards to Teachers are awarded by the President of India on 5th September every year to accord public recognition to meritorious teachers working in primary, middle and secondary schools. In total, there are 374 awards out of which 23 awards are reserved for Sanskrit, Persian and Arabic teachers. Each State and Union Territory has an earmarked quota based on the number of teachers.
The Scheme also covers teachers of Sainik Schools, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangthan (KVS), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), Central Tibetan Schools Administration (CTSA) and schools run by the Atomic Energy Education Society. 43 Special Awards have been earmarked for teachers promoting inclusive education in schools.
2. Eligibility: In order to be eligible, a class-room teacher should have put in 15 years of continuous service on the date of consideration. For Principals and Headmasters the eligibility is 20 years & that for Special Awards is 10 & 15 years respectively. The initial selection is made at the District Level by a District Committee or such local authorities and names are recommended to the State level Selection Committee normally presided over by Director of Education/Head of the organization. A nominee of Central Government is also represented in such Committee. The Committee’s recommendations are forwarded by the State Government in order of merit.
Government of India makes the final selection, strictly in the order of merit, after on scrutiny of the bio-data and service record of the teacher.
3. The Award : The award carries a Silver Medal, a Certificate and Rs.25,000/-.
4. Award Function in 2008: For the NAT-2007, to be held on 5th September 2008, altogether 320 teachers have been nominated. Of these 82 are lady women teachers. 9 teachers have been nominated under Sanskrit category and 5 are for teaching in Madarasas. 13 teachers fall under the Special category i.e those who are either disabled or those who are promoting inclusive education.
A list of teachers considered for the NAT-2007 is available in the Ministry’s website : www.education.nic.in
The nominated teachers along with one of the family member are invited to Delhi & treated as State guest for 2-3 days. This year the teachers have been accommodated in the ITDC hotels namely, Janpath, Samrat and The Ashok. Before the Award Ceremony tomorrow, the teachers will make a courtesy call on the Prime Minister today.