Maharashtra Renames State Teacher Award After Dr. J. P. Naik

Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil announces new name and revised selection criteria

The Maharashtra government has announced that the prestigious State Ideal Teacher Award will now be known as the “Dr. J. P. Naik State Ideal Teacher Award”, in honor of the legendary educationist. The declaration was made by Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil on Teachers’ Day.

Dr. Naik, born on September 5, 1907, in Bahirewadi (Kolhapur district), is regarded as a pillar of Indian education whose work received recognition not just from the Indian government but also internationally, including by UNESCO. The renaming is seen as a tribute to his lifelong contributions to the field.

Transparent and merit-based selection

Minister Patil also announced reforms to the selection criteria and procedures for the award, aimed at ensuring greater transparency and fairness. Only teachers with dedication, academic excellence, and genuine contribution to teaching and learning will be eligible for recognition.

The final state-level selection committee will be chaired by the Minister of Higher and Technical Education, with participation from the Minister of State, the Additional Chief Secretary, two eminent education experts, and the Director of Higher Education. A central scrutiny panel of university vice-chancellors and subject experts will also play a role in evaluating nominees.

Honoring a visionary

Dr. Naik’s contributions extended far beyond Maharashtra, shaping policies and practices at the national and global levels. By attaching his name to the award, the state government hopes to make the recognition more meaningful, inspirational, and aspirational for educators.

“This decision will add greater value to the award and serve as a true tribute to teachers who dedicate their lives to education,” Patil said.