PM Narendra Modi launches new scheme to boost teachers training

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday mooted introducing a five-year training course after schooling for those aspiring to pursue a career in teaching and said the country should aim to export top-class teachers across the world.

Sharing his vision for an education policy which struck at the roots of social evils like lack of hygiene and female foeticide, Modi said, "India has a tremendous responsibility towards the world in the 21st century, which has been called the century of knowledge." 

The PM was speaking at a function organised at the Benaras Hindu University, where he laid the foundation stone for an inter-university centre for teachers education. Modi also launched a Rs 900-crore scheme "Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching", named after the BHU founder, whom the Modi government has decided to posthumously confer the Bharat Ratna.

Modi said India needs to look at the opportunity presented by the world, wherein qualified and efficient teachers are in ever-increasing demand and aim at "the ability to export top-class teachers across the world." He called for introducing a full five-year course for educators so that those aspiring to pursue a career in teaching could begin their training after Class XII itself. 

The Prime Minister is on a day-long visit to his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi to mark 'Good Governance' Day.