New Delhi, 08 January (H.S.): A delegation from the All India National Educators Federation met Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday, submitting a detailed memorandum regarding the Supreme Court's September 1, 2025, ruling on the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET).
They expressed grave concerns over mandating TET for all serving teachers regardless of appointment date.The federation warned that retrospective implementation could jeopardize the service security, seniority, promotions, and livelihoods of nearly 1.2 million teachers nationwide.
They drew attention to the National Council for Teacher Education's (NCTE) August 23, 2010, notification stipulating minimum qualifications for Classes I-VIII teachers effective from the notification date, explicitly exempting pre-notification appointees from TET requirements.
Experienced teachers serving for years on valid academic and professional qualifications deserve protection from retrospective application, the delegation argued, urging prospective enforcement only and necessary legal/administrative measures safeguarding pre-notification teachers' seniority, dignity, and legitimate expectations.
Welcoming the Viksit Bharat Education Foundation Bill's objectives, they offered constructive amendments for greater effectiveness, inclusivity, and practicality, alongside a comprehensive demand letter addressing pending higher and school education issues.
Minister Pradhan assured consideration of presented facts/documents, directing NCTE Chairman and officials for action. He committed to balancing education quality with equitable resolution for teachers and institutions.
The delegation comprised Federation President Prof. Narayan Lal Gupta, General Secretary Prof. Geeta Bhatt, Organization Minister Mahendra Kapoor, Joint Organization Minister G. Lakshman, Senior Vice President Mahendra Kumar, School Education In-charge Shivanand Sindankera, NIT Teachers Forum Coordinator Prof. Mahendra Srimati, Telangana Unit President Hanumantrao, and Tamil Nadu Unit General Secretary Kandasamy.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
