Addressing 482 new teachers at an induction programme in Bhubaneswar on Friday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik advised them to keep themselves updated on the latest academic skills and use IT as a tool to make teaching more interesting.

“In-depth knowledge and expertise in different subjects will transform the classroom ecosystem and influence the learning of students in a positive way,” he said.

Congratulating the teachers and their family members on the occasion, Naveen said, “Education determines our future. It provides the foundational support for developing a better society. The quality of education is one of the indicators of individual and social development. Therefore, the government gives top priority to education.”

He further said the higher secondary schools have undergone significant transformation in terms of infrastructure and use of IT tools has enhanced learning experience under the 5T initiative. As many as 110 high schools have been upgraded to higher secondary level and have started functioning this year alone, he added.

Stating that higher secondary level is a crucial stepping stone for a student’s career leading to the path of technical and professional education, he called upon the teachers to dedicate themselves for grooming the students in the best possible way.

Speaking on the occasion, School & Mass education Minister Sudam Marndi said almost 50% of the new PGTs are women. This is an indication of growing status of women and their empowerment in the state, he added.

School & Mass Education Secretary Aswathi S and Higher Secondary Director were present.