The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution by voice vote, calling on the Union Government to exempt teachers appointed before October 31, 2019, from the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). The resolution, which followed a two-day extensive discussion among legislators, aims to address the long-standing concerns of educators who have dedicated years to the region’s education sector.
The proposal was formally moved by School Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, who highlighted the significant contributions of these teachers. The resolution specifically urges the Union Government to amend Section 23 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. This amendment would formalize the exemption for all teachers appointed prior to the specified cut-off date, thereby removing the requirement for them to undergo the TET examination. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the assembly’s move is a significant step towards acknowledging the service and experience of these educators.
Following the passage of the resolution, Minister Itoo expressed her gratitude to members from all political parties for their support. She emphasized that the objective was to recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by teachers who have been instrumental in shaping the future of students for many years. Itoo articulated that the issue should not be narrowly viewed as simply passing another examination, as many of these teachers have already successfully cleared various assessments throughout their careers. She further elaborated on the immense sacrifices these educators have made, dedicating their lives to nurturing generations of professionals, including doctors and engineers, and stressed that their years of service should be a primary consideration in this matter.
During the two-day deliberations, several legislators actively participated in the discussion, voicing their perspectives and concerns regarding the TET exemption. Among those who contributed to the debate were Balwant Singh Mankotia, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Waheed Ur Rehman Para, Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, and Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri. Their participation underscored the widespread recognition of the issue’s importance within the legislative body. The collective support and detailed discussions culminated in the unanimous passage of the resolution by voice vote, indicating a strong consensus on the matter.
The resolution further mandates that the Union Government should undertake the necessary legal procedures and issue a formal notification through the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to implement the exemption. This procedural step is crucial for the official recognition and implementation of the exemption for the pre-2019 appointees. The move by the J&K Assembly is expected to bring relief to a significant number of teachers who have been serving the educational institutions without the TET qualification, potentially impacting their professional standing and career progression. The assembly’s decision reflects a broader sentiment to value experience and service in the teaching profession, moving beyond a singular focus on standardized testing for seasoned educators.
The implications of this resolution extend beyond the immediate relief for the teachers. It raises questions about the evaluation of teaching qualifications and the recognition of prior experience in the education sector. The RTE Act, 2009, was enacted with the aim of ensuring quality education by setting certain standards for teachers. However, the exemption sought by the J&K Assembly suggests a nuanced approach, acknowledging that teachers appointed before the implementation of certain stringent requirements may have already met comparable standards through other means or have demonstrated their efficacy through years of dedicated service. The assembly’s resolution is a clear signal that policy-making in education should also consider the human element and the established careers of dedicated professionals.
The School Education Minister’s remarks during the debate highlighted the emotional and professional significance of the resolution for the teachers. By emphasizing their sacrifices and their role in shaping future generations, the assembly has sought to validate their long-standing commitment to education. The call for amending the RTE Act indicates a willingness to adapt national legislation to regional specificities and historical contexts, particularly in areas like Jammu and Kashmir, which have undergone significant administrative and political changes. The exemption is seen by many as a just recognition of their service and a measure to prevent undue disruption to their careers. The process now moves to the Union Government for consideration and necessary action, with the NCTE playing a pivotal role in the formalization of the exemption.
The legislative assembly’s unanimous voice vote on the resolution signifies a strong consensus across party lines, underscoring the broad support for the cause among elected representatives. This unified stance is likely to lend significant weight to the appeal made to the Union Government. The move also reflects a growing trend in various sectors to re-evaluate qualification requirements in light of practical experience and long-term service, particularly in regions with unique developmental trajectories. The teachers who will benefit from this potential exemption have been working under the shadow of TET requirements for some time, and this resolution offers a ray of hope for their continued service and professional recognition without the burden of a new examination.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.