Guwahati, Jan. 22: The Assam government has asked state universities to institute awards for best teachers in undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Sources in Dispur told The Telegraph that state education minister Sarat Borkataky, who himself was a college teacher before joining politics, is very much in favour of the idea. According to Borkataky, this award would boost the morale of "sincere and dynamic" teachers and also enthuse other teachers to excel in their fields.

"Though the move is at a very preliminary stage, vice-chancellors and principals of colleges affiliated to state universities will nominate faculty members to be awarded as best teachers. Feedback from students and their parents might also be taken into consideration while selecting teachers for such an award," a source said.

Various criteria like teaching, research and innovative practices will be considered while selecting teachers for the awards. "All stakeholders will be taken into confidence before instituting such award," the source said.

The current higher education system in the state does not have a mechanism of recognising meritorious and performing teachers. Absence of any incentive may lead to complacency or lack of motivation. So, Dispur felt an urgent need to assess the performance of teachers, linking it with some kind of incentive in the form of recognitions and rewards, the source said.

The Assam government annually gives away such awards to schoolteachers on Teachers' Day. But there is no prize for those teaching in colleges and universities.

The move has come at a time when Dispur is receiving various complaints against college and university teachers. Sources said the education department is worried that a section of teachers in colleges and universities is not taking classes regularly and refusing to spare extra time for students. Some college teachers also take private tuitions, a source said.

On the other hand, a section of varsity and college teachers resort to agitation against the government at the drop of a hat - which hasn't gone down well with the education system.

Borkataky recently said merely shouting slogans and taking out massive processions would not lead to a revolution. He advised teachers that only the light of knowledge and education would brighten the lives of people and take the state forward.