Shillong, Oct 15: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) hosted the Induction Programme for the students of the Four-Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) today, marking a significant milestone in teacher education in Meghalaya.
The event saw the presence of Shri A. L. Hek, MLA and Minister, Government of Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest, along with NEHU’s Vice-Chancellor Prof.Prabha Shankar Shukla, faculty, and students.
In his keynote address, Shri A. L. Hek congratulated the students for being part of this prestigious programme and urged them to pursue the course with dedication. He highlighted the importance of the ITEP programme in producing highly qualified educators.
Noting that this four-year course, which integrates both subject specialization and education studies, is being offered in only 64 institutions across India, with NEHU being one of them—a matter of pride for both the university and the state.
Expressing his gratitude to the Government of India, particularly the Ministry of Education, Shri Hek said, “This programme will not only address the need for skilled teachers across the country but also strengthen the future of education.”
He commended Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shukla for his initiative and hard work in bringing the ITEP to NEHU, emphasizing that without the VC’s efforts, this course would not have materialized in the state.
“Education is a lifelong journey,” Shri Hek reminded the students. “While the National Education Policy 2020 offers the flexibility to enter and exit the course at multiple points, I urge you to complete this four-year journey with perseverance and emerge as excellent teachers, ready to make a meaningful contribution to society.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof.Prabha Shankar Shukla, in his address, emphasized that the introduction of the ITEP programme at NEHU aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes holistic and integrated teacher education.
“Today marks not just the beginning of a new academic journey for you but also a pivotal moment in the evolution of teacher education in our country,” Prof. Shukla said.
He highlighted the unique structure of the ITEP, which offers a dual-major framework—combining a specialized subject in Arts, Science, or Commerce with a foundation in education studies.
The Vice-Chancellor elaborated on the benefits of the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) integrated within the course, allowing students to tailor their educational experience to their personal and professional aspirations.
“Upon completion, graduates will be eligible not only for advanced studies but also to teach up to the secondary level, take leadership roles as principals, or explore diverse opportunities in education,” he added.
Prof. Shukla encouraged the students to embrace this opportunity with curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, reminding them that teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations.
He expressed gratitude to the faculty and staff for their hard work in launching the programme, stating that their dedication forms the backbone of the university’s mission.
The Induction Programme concluded with students interacting with the faculty and gaining insights into the structure and objectives of the ITEP, setting the stage for a transformative four-year journey that aims to shape future educators equipped to meet the challenges of modern classrooms.
