Lucknow: Only 72 applications have been received for the state teachers’ award, presented by the state govt to primary and upper primary school teachers on Teacher’s Day. The basic education department sought self-nomination from teachers who have made exemplary contributions in the year 2025.The department had invited online applications between June 7 and June 30. With only 72 applications received from 42 districts and none from 19 districts, basic education director Anil Bhushan Chaturvedi has extended the deadline to July 7.Data shows the highest of five applications came from Prayagraj district, while three applications each were received from Agra, Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, Ballia, Chitrakoot, Gonda, and Kushinagar. Aligarh, Azamgarh, Barabanki, Fatehpur, Kasganj, Maharajganj, Muzzafarnagar, Rampur, Shahjahanpur, Shravasti, Siddharthnagar, and Varanasi had two applications each.Expressing dissatisfaction, Chaturvedi has asked BSAs to encourage more teachers to come forward and apply for the coveted award. One teacher from each of the 75 districts will be honoured with the best teacher award.The selection is based on two criteria – objective and performance. While the former evaluates teachers objectively, the latter is based on teachers’ initiatives in improving learning outcomes, innovative experiments undertaken, use of teaching-learning material, social mobility etc.Only regular teachers and heads of govt and aided primary and upper primary schools are eligible for the award. Teachers hired on contractual basis and Shiksha Mitras remain ineligible for the award. Teachers who nominate themselves must upload their portfolio which includes documents, report of activities, tools, field visits, and other relevant supporting material.
