Two months ago, the Supreme Court ruled that all primary and upper-primary school teachers with more than five years of service remaining until superannuation and who had not yet taken the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) must clear the test within two years in order to continue in service. This verdict has been opposed by several teacher associations in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, as well as by the respective State governments, which have filed review petitions. They argue that it is unreasonable and unfair to require teachers appointed before the introduction of TET to clear the test at this stage of their careers.

I spoke to several teachers working in government, government-aided, and private schools regarding this verdict. Many feel that the ruling is unjust and poses a serious threat to their jobs. Indeed, making TET mandatory for those already in service is inequitable. It is the responsibility of teacher associations and State governments to safeguard the rights of in-service teachers who fear losing their jobs.

You May Also Like

Know your English | What does ‘bullish’ mean?

“You’re watching the news? That’s very unusual, indeed! Thought you hated it.”“I do hate it. A...

Should the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) be manda...

Two months ago, the Supreme Court ruled that all primary and upper-primary school teachers with...

The year that was: ASER charts post-COVID learning...

After a prolonged decline due to learning losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, this year showed...