LUCKNOW, Aug. 21 -- Teachers, schools and local bodies working to improve public education in Uttar Pradesh will be recognised under a new statewide awards programme, with applications opening from Friday. The Seekho Sikhao Foundation (SSF), supported by Dalmia Bharat Foundation, has announced the first Seekho Sikhao Awards, covering all 75 districts of the state. The awards will have five categories- Shikshak, Vidyalaya, Gram Panchayat, Block Resource Centre (BRC) and Balika Shiksha. The first four categories will recognise work by key stakeholders in the public education system, while the Balika Shiksha Award will honour a teacher working towards education and empowerment of girls. Nominations will be assessed across four regions, western and central UP, Bundelkhand and Purvanchal. One winner and one runner-up will be selected in each category in every region. Applications will remain open until September 20. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Lucknow on November 26, Constitution Day. Anupama Dalmia, SSF founder, said, "This is an initiative with a belief that if teachers, families, communities and government system work together and take ownership of Child's learning, a reform can be made in education system". htc...