Indian Institute of Teacher’s Education (IITE), set up by the government of Gujarat, has launched its first degree programme on Thursday. Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, while launching the course said the state government has founded IITE with a view to cater for the need of great teachers. He exuded faith that IITE will prove as model for best teachers producing institute.

Speaking to the principals and faculty members of various universities, Chief Minister said that he envisages a great demand for the pass-out of IITE as it is the case with IITs and IIMs. IITE will prove as a live laboratory, experimenting in human resource development, he said.

IITE, a pioneering initiative to redefine the field of education, offers 4 years Integrated BSC/BA & B.Ed and 6 years MSc/MA & M.Ed programmes for the first time in India. The IITE aims to create and nurture transformational teachers.

The uniqueness of this university is its ground-breaking Curriculum with a wide variety of subjects, life oriented skills and a great deal of flexibility and freedom. Developed by national and international experts, around a choice-based credit system, with a focus on synthesizing holistic and active learning, the curriculum of IITE was released by Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Minister, Gujarat, at a function in Gandhinagar today.

Addressing a group of curriculum experts and senior scholars from the field of education, Hon’ble CM expressed confidence that this Institute will lend a totally new dimension to the art and science of teaching. ‘A teacher is not a resource centre for a student to get information from, he is a catalytic agent for sculpting life’, he said, expressing a firm belief that the initiation of a child into the profession of teaching right after passing standard 12th will ensure the right kind of teachers for shaping a better tomorrow. This will, eventually, regain the respect of teachers in the society.Minister of State for Higher Education, Pro. Vasuben Trivedi lauded the Chief Minister’s vision for setting up of IITE and said the institute will be instrumental in positively changing the society’s viewpoint towards the teacher.

Higher Education Commissioner Mrs. Jyanti Ravi, Principal Secretary for Education Mr. Hasmukh Adhiya along with many educationalists was present on the occasion.

Chief Minister also launched the book ‘Child, Teachers and Teacher’s Education’ , penned by Dr. Kirit Joshi.

The first batch of the degree course consisting of 100 students will commence from August 1.