Patna, July 5: A computer lab christened Education Technology Room was inaugurated on the premises of RPS Teachers’ Training College today, as the institute started a new academic session of its one-year BEd course.

A discussion on “Learn and teach for quality education” was also organised at the inauguration of the lab.

At the occasion, Sitaram Singh, director, state higher education director, said: “The state government is keen on training the maximum number of teachers. It is important to train teachers, who are already employed. At present, around 3 lakh teachers are required across the state. Seeing the growing number of schools these days, after three years, at least there would be a need for 1 lakh teachers every year.”

He also laid stress on quality education for which teachers, especially primary teachers, have to realise their responsibilities.

He said: “Those who have money can go to private schools that provide better education. Government schools have to be brought up to the standards of private schools and primary school teachers need to play an important role.”

Shamshad Hussain, the former vice-chancellor of Magadh University, said: “A teacher is just like a mentor and it is his responsibility to ensure the progress of the society and the nation. This is the reason that he/she teaches students, who would be taking on the responsibility of the nation soon.”

Hussain addressed the students and said: “It cannot be ignored that information technology plays an important role in today’s world. Students should familiarise themselves with computers.”

The principal of RPS Teachers’ Training College, Dhrub Kumar, said: “This is an age of knowledge-based economy. Those who have real knowledge can affect economy. Technology-driven higher education, which is different from the traditional courses, is a requisite in this age. Even if it is traditional, it should be connected with technology.”

Vice-principal Madan Kumar and other faculty members were also present at the occasion.