Shillong, Sep 23: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has expressed concern over the recent Supreme Court judgement making the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory for all in-service teachers across the country, warning that the decision could have far-reaching consequences in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Rymbui said he has held a series of meetings with various stakeholders, including teacher groups, the Accountant General and Law Department, to deliberate on the issue.
On September 1, the Supreme Court, in the Anjuman vs Maharashtra case, ruled that all teachers – including those already in service – must clear the TET within two years. Teachers who fail to qualify would have to resign, though those with less than five years of service left are exempted, albeit without promotion benefits.
“This decision has retrospective effect. Teachers who have already dedicated 20–25 years of service are now required to clear TET within two years. In Meghalaya alone, the order may affect 10,000 to 15,000 teachers,” Rymbui said.
The Education Department has sought data from District Education Officers to assess the number of teachers, their qualifications, years of service and TET status.
The minister acknowledged the intent of the judgement, which is rooted in Article 21A of the Constitution – the right of children to quality education. “I don’t say the judgement is wrong. Children deserve qualified teachers. But to apply it retrospectively is baffling,” he remarked.
Meghalaya has some of the worst performing schools in the country, with the state ranking at or very near the bottom year after year. Yet, the Minister of Education appears to be more concerned with protecting teachers, no matter how underqualified, than looking out for students.
Eligibility for the TET requires a minimum of 45 percent scores in Class 12 exams along with relevant higher education degrees. “How many of our teachers have these qualifications? That is the question,” he said.
The minister assured that the government will conduct TET exams within the two-year window and extend full support to teachers but also hinted at exploring legal and political options. “We will coordinate with other states and, if necessary, approach the Supreme Court for a review. I will also write to the Union Education Minister to consider treating teaching experience as equivalent to TET,” he said.
