HRD Minister proposes reward for IIT profs

Guwahati: Union HRD Minister Smiti Irani today announced a Rs One lakh reward to any IIT faculty member who designs a new course for knowledge development. “Faculty is the fulcrum of our education system. But when discussions are held on the status of education, people often cringe that they have not been able to develop new courses,” Irani told the 17th convocation of the IIT-Guwahati.

“I announce a one lakh rupee reward to any faculty member who designs a new knowledge development course,” the minister said. On a lighter note, Irani added, "Faculty members think these politicians only think for the youth and not for us. The faculty of the IITs is as important as the students."

“The Director told me that the graduates have got very good placements in the country and globally. I was hoping he would pick one of these graduates to be part of the faculty. I shall be grateful for life if anyone was picked,” Irani said. She lauded IIT-G for its support to government's 'Ishani Vikas' and 'Unnat Bharat' programmes to integrate the nearby school children with the institute, and efforts to train 10,000 school teachers.

While congratulating the graduates of IIT-G, she told the parents, "You put your children here with a lot of faith and a lot of trust. We are proud to be a part of their journey." To the graduates, she said, “When you turn around, remember your teachers and parents as part of your success and remember them for their love and affection.”