J&K Assembly passes resolution seeking TET exemption for pre-2019 teachers

Srinagar, September 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed by voice vote a resolution seeking exemption of teachers appointed before October 31, 2019 from appearing in the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET).

The resolution was moved by Minister for School Education Sakeena Itoo following a two-day debate in the House on the issue.

The resolution urges the Union Government to make a statutory amendment to Section 23 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, to exempt all teachers appointed before October 31, 2019 from the TET requirement.

It also urges the Union Government to take necessary legal steps and issue the requisite notification through the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to grant the exemption.

Two-day debate on TET exemption

The resolution was passed after legislators deliberated on various aspects of the issue and highlighted the concerns of teachers appointed before the cut-off date.

On the first day of the debate, legislators Balwant Singh Mankotia, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Waheed Ur Rehman Para and Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh participated in the discussion and expressed their views on the resolution.

The debate continued on Thursday, with legislators Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) and Dr Bashir Ahmad Shah (Veeri) also participating and putting forth their views.

Itoo highlights teachers’ contribution

Sakeena Itoo thanked the legislators for expressing their concerns and unanimously supporting the resolution.

She said the resolution was aimed at addressing the concerns of teachers who have been serving the education sector for years.

The Minister said the issue should not be viewed merely from the perspective of whether teachers can pass another examination, noting that many of them had already appeared in and cleared various tests during their careers.

She highlighted the sacrifices and contribution of the teachers, saying they had worked to prepare students for various professions, including medicine and engineering, and help secure their future.

Itoo emphasised that the contribution and years of service of these teachers need to be duly recognised while considering the matter.

Following the detailed two-day discussion, the House passed the resolution by voice vote.