Srinagar , Sep 17: In a significant development, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has proposed a comprehensive review of the existing arrangements governing the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), including the eligibility framework and issues faced by teachers already in service.
The MoE has taken these measures relating to Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and proposed legislative review in view of emerging issues concerning teachers and teacher eligibility.
In an Office Memorandum, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEK) MoE said it had taken note of representations and issues raised by teachers, teacher associations, educational institutions and other stakeholders over implementation of the TET requirement.
The Ministry said it had also taken note of the directions and observations of the Supreme Court concerning the requirement of TET for teachers covered under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
In wake of this, the government has proposed to review the existing TET arrangements with the stated objective of ensuring a “transparent, fair and workable framework” for teacher eligibility.
The proposed review will examine the existing TET eligibility and qualification framework as well as issues concerning teachers already in service who are required to acquire TET qualification.
The MoE has also proposed examining measures to ensure that TET examinations are conducted periodically and at reasonable intervals.
Another component of the proposed exercise will focus on the practical difficulties faced by serving teachers in obtaining TET qualification.
The MoE has further proposed consultations with State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), educational experts and other stakeholders as part of the review process.
The memorandum also proposes examining whether amendments to relevant statutory provisions are necessary in the larger public interest.
“The government will examine the practical difficulties faced by serving teachers in obtaining TET qualification and will hold consultation with State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, NCTE, educational experts and other stakeholders besides examining whether appropriate amendments to the relevant statutory provisions are necessary in the larger public interest,” the memorandum issued by MoE reads.
