Hundreds of teachers from across India protested in Delhi on Thursday against the mandatory Teachers Eligibility Test (TET). The demonstration at Jantar Mantar focused on a Supreme Court order requiring in-service teachers to pass the TET to keep their jobs. Many teachers, some nearing retirement, argue the test is unfair and fails to recognize their years of experience.
Teachers Protest Mandatory TET
The protest was organized by the School Teachers Federation of India (SFTI). Teacher associations from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal participated. Several Members of Parliament (MPs) joined the rally to show solidarity.
Teachers argue they are unqualified to pass a test covering all subjects. Sheikh Javed, a physical science teacher with 30 years of experience, stated, “In TET we have to appear for examinations in all subjects, such as mathematics, social science and language. How can a physical science teacher sit for these exams and compete with the fresh graduates?”
Anil Kumar, a mathematics teacher from Telangana, called the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)’s notification wrong. He believes the test undermines the experience of lakhs of teachers who already hold Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degrees.
The TET requirement became mandatory following the Right To Education Act 2009. The Supreme Court later made it compulsory for in-service teachers to qualify.
Only teachers with less than five years of service are exempt from the TET. Some state governments, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Telangana, have filed petitions in the Supreme Court seeking exemptions for in-service teachers.
Impact on Promotions and Careers
Teacher unions report that the mandatory TET has halted promotions for many. In Punjab, the promotions of 6,500 teachers are on hold due to TET eligibility requirements. Surender Kamboj from STFI stated the Punjab government is not supporting affected teachers.
Haryana faces a similar situation, with nearly 20,000 teachers potentially impacted. Rajpal Singh, a TGT Hindi teacher with 25 years of service, called the rule unfair. He pointed out that teachers passed state selection exams before being appointed.
The protest included primary school teachers as well. R Renganayaki, a primary teacher from Tamil Nadu with 20 years of experience, expressed hope for a favorable Supreme Court ruling. She criticized the current government’s stance on teachers.
Further Demands and Actions
A Joint Action Committee of Teachers Organisations has been formed. This committee plans to submit a memorandum to the Education Minister and the President of India.
Beyond the TET exemption for in-service teachers, the group has other demands. These include:
- Restoration of the Old Pension scheme.
- Relief from administrative and non-academic duties.
- Halting the merger and closure of government schools.
- Filling of vacant teacher posts.
- A minimum wage for all education sector employees.
The teachers also demand the rejection of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan (VBSA) Bill. This bill proposes merging the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and NCTE.