A five-day training programme for school teachers began at the indoor hall of Hapania International Fair Ground on Tuesday, with the objective of enhancing professional skills and teaching quality for the holistic development of students.

NCERT Director Prof Dinesh Prasad Saklani inaugurated the programme, organised by the NECERT in association with the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) under the National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA) programme.

Saklani inaugurated the programme by pressing a button. School Education Department Secretary Dr Milind Ramteke was also present.

Addressing the programme, Saklani said the National Education Policy (NEP) had brought a new outlook to the country's education system and teachers participating in the training had an important role in its implementation.

He said students in remote areas often learnt by interacting with nature and their surroundings, and the primary objective of education was to encourage their natural creativity.

Saklani also stressed the need for regular reviews and feedback from learners while developing and implementing educational programmes. He said the views of participants at the workshop would help further enrich the programme.

Ramteke said the training programme placed special emphasis on primary and school education.

He said Tripura currently stood third in the country in terms of literacy and expressed hope that the workshop would contribute to enhancing the professional skills of teachers.

SCERT Director L Darlong delivered the welcome address.

Prof Ranjana Arora, head of the Department of Curriculum Studies and Development (DCS&D), NCERT, spoke in detail about the NISHTHA programme.

Prof Sarad Sinha, head of the Department of Teacher Education (DTE), NCERT, attended the programme as the guest of honour.

A short documentary on the NISHTHA programme was also screened during the event.