Bhubaneswar, 20 July (H.S.): An induction-cum-orientation workshop has been organized for newly recruited Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) serving in Government Higher Secondary Schools and Government Upgraded Higher Secondary Schools under the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education, Department of School and Mass Education.

The training programme, designed for 120 PGT teachers of Sanskrit and Economics, is being conducted at Institute of Media Studies, Siripur. The inaugural session witnessed the presence of several eminent dignitaries, including Balamukunda Meena, Director of Elementary Education; Prasanta Kumar Das; Niyati Patnaik; UNICEF Education Specialist Lalita Patnaik; Joint Director Sasmita Mali; Deputy Director C.H. Vijayalakshmi; and Deputy Director Jitendra Kumar Nayak.

Addressing the participants, Director of Elementary Education Balamukunda Meena emphasized the importance of problem-solving skills in teaching. He highlighted that teachers play a crucial role in shaping responsible citizens and guiding students toward a constructive path.

UNICEF Field Office Chief Prasanta Kumar Das encouraged teachers to actively engage in the sessions, underlining their responsibility to mentor higher secondary students and steer them away from vulnerable or risky behaviors.

Director of Higher Secondary Education Niyati Patnaik urged participants to effectively implement the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop for the holistic development of students. She noted that such orientation programmes significantly enhance teaching competencies and contribute to improved learning outcomes.

Earlier, Joint Director Sasmita Mali delivered the welcome address and provided an overview of the workshop structure, while Deputy Director C.H. Vijayalakshmi coordinated the event proceedings. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Deputy Director Jitendra Kumar Nayak.

The orientation programme will be conducted in two phases. The first phase is scheduled from July 20 to July 24, followed by the second phase from July 27 to July 31.

During the workshop, participants will engage in comprehensive sessions on key educational and administrative themes. These include the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, promotion of gender equality in education, and integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in classroom teaching.

Additionally, the training will cover guidelines under the Odisha Education Rules, operational training on digital platforms such as SAMS and Shiksha Jyoti, awareness on compliance with the POSH Act, and effective management of student scholarships. Sessions will also focus on administrative responsibilities, examination and evaluation planning, as well as strategies for student career counseling and guidance.

The initiative aims to strengthen the professional capabilities of newly appointed teachers and equip them with the necessary tools to deliver quality education in line with evolving academic and policy frameworks.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda