A recent Supreme Court judgment mandating the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for all primary school teachers has sparked widespread protests across Gujarat. The ruling makes TET compulsory even for teachers who were appointed before 2010.
Statewide Demonstrations
The Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh organised statewide demonstrations on Thursday. Protests were held at district collector offices across Gujarat, where large numbers of teachers gathered to express their dissatisfaction. In Ahmedabad, hundreds of teachers assembled at the collector's office between 4pm and 6pm, raising slogans and submitting memorandums.
Demands for Central Intervention
The teachers' organisations, through district collectors, forwarded their demands to the Prime Minister and the Union education minister, urging immediate intervention by the central government. They have called for reconsideration of the decision, especially for those appointed before the implementation of TET norms.
Background of the TET Mandate
The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) made TET mandatory on August 23, 2010. However, teachers appointed before this date were recruited as per the existing rules and qualifications at that time. The new requirement has placed a significant burden on experienced educators, many of whom now face the prospect of appearing for a qualifying examination after years of service.
Impact on Teachers
It is estimated that around 2.5 million teachers across India, including approximately 75,000 in Gujarat, could be affected by the ruling. Concerns have also been raised about job security, seniority, and promotions.
Future Course of Action
Teacher unions have warned of intensified agitation at the national level if no positive response is received from the central government. A key meeting is scheduled in Rajkot on June 28 to decide the future course of action.
