Meghalaya will file a review petition against a Supreme Court order making the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory for all in-service teachers. Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui announced the state government’s decision on Tuesday, stating the mandate could affect over 32,000 teachers statewide.
Supreme Court Mandate and State’s Challenge
The Supreme Court’s order, issued on September 1 , directs all in-service teachers to pass the TET within two years. This requirement aligns with qualification standards set by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), the regulatory body for elementary and primary education.
Minister Rymbui stated that the Supreme Court’s judgment has a “retrospective effect.” Meghalaya seeks an exemption for teachers appointed before the Right to Education (RTE) Act came into force. The state argues these teachers met recruitment norms valid at their time of appointment.
Impact on Teachers and Livelihoods
The state government’s primary concern targets approximately 32,000 teachers. These individuals, largely recruited before the RTE Act, may not meet current TET requirements. They now face a two-year deadline to clear the examination.
Rymbui expressed apprehension that not all affected teachers might pass the test within the stipulated timeframe. He clarified that teachers who have already cleared the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET) or the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) are exempt. Their services remain secure.
Right to Education Act and Teacher Qualifications
The RTE Act, upon its implementation, led to NCTE notifications detailing minimum qualifications for teachers. Minister Rymbui confirmed Meghalaya has complied with these standards for all subsequent recruitments. He stated, “After the coming of the RTE and the subsequent notification of NCTE, the standards for teacher recruitment were made clear, and the state government has complied with them.”
The state government maintains that teachers recruited as per NCTE norms after the RTE Act are already qualified. Once these teachers meet prescribed NCTE criteria, they are eligible to continue in service.
Government’s Rationale and Future Steps
The decision to file a review petition reflects the government’s concern for teachers whose livelihoods could be affected. Minister Rymbui stressed that the state is not against the TET requirement itself. Instead, it advocates for a fair approach that acknowledges the long service and experience of teachers appointed before the RTE Act.
Many of these teachers have served for years, contributing significantly to the education system. Meghalaya seeks consideration of their service and experience before retrospectively applying the TET condition. If the Supreme Court admits and reviews or modifies its September 1 order, it could provide relief to thousands of teachers in Meghalaya.