Jaipur: An association of government school teachers affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has announced plans for a nationwide protest on June 18 in response to a Supreme Court order requiring all government school teachers to take the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). As per the directions, all teachers currently in service must take the exam by August 31, 2028, to remain eligible for continued service and promotions.
Association's Demand for Exemption
The group, Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM), argues that the mandate should only apply to teachers recruited after 2010, in line with the National Council for Teacher Education's (NCTE) regulations. They estimate that nearly one lakh teachers in Rajasthan alone will be adversely affected by this decision.
State president Ramesh Chandra Pushkarna stated that the NCTE notified TET as a minimum qualification on August 23, 2010. Prior to this, lakhs of teachers across various states were duly appointed according to the rules, eligibility criteria, and selection processes applicable at that time. The association has demanded that all teachers appointed before August 23, 2010, be permanently exempted from the TET requirement, and that a clear decision from the government be issued to provide permanent relief to this group.
Principles of Natural Justice
"These teachers have made significant contributions over the years for nation-building, quality education, social awareness, and character building. Therefore, applying subsequently determined eligibility criteria with retrospective effect cannot be considered consistent with the principles of natural justice, equality, and legal certainty," said Pushkarna. He added that the services and accrued rights of teachers who were validly appointed in the past should not be adversely affected.
State general secretary Mahendra Kumar Lakhara warned that the situation has created an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty among lakhs of teachers across the country regarding their future. "If this matter is not resolved promptly by the government, the impact will not be limited to teachers alone; it will also affect the stability of the school education system, the interests of students, and the administrative framework. Therefore, this is not merely a service-related matter but a significant issue concerning the national education system," said Lakhara.
The association has urged the government to take immediate action to address their concerns and provide clarity on the exemption for pre-2010 appointees.
