Teachers in J&K required to qualify Teacher Eligibility Test to stay in service: Government

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 24 (STC): The in-service teachers in the School Education Department with more than five years of service left must have to clear the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) within two years failing which they may face to quit their service or shall be liable for a compulsorily retirement.
This is what an order issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, UT of J&K states. However, the department has clarified that the in-service teachers who have less than five years’ service left, as on date, may continue in service till they attain the age of superannuation without qualifying the TET.
The order makes it clear that if any such teacher having less than five years’ service left aspires for promotion, he will not be considered eligible without he/she having qualified the TET.
The JKBOSE, State School Standards Authority (SSSA) is designated as Nodal Agency for conducting TET for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, with immediate effect, reads the order and adds that the JKBOSE shall develop and notify a detailed schedule for conduct of TET.
“The board shall coordinate with NIC, School Education Department, Higher Education Department, Home Department, and other concerned authorities for logistical, technical and security arrangements,” it reads.
It also said that the board shall ensure alignment of syllabus and examination standards with the guidelines of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), with suitable contextual modifications.
“The secretary, J&K BOSE/SSSA shall furnish a comprehensive action plan including timelines and preparatory status, to the School Education Department within the shortest possible time,” reads the order.
Meanwhile, SED in the order while referring the returned and the findings with advice that was sought from the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, UT of J&K said that if any of such teachers fail to qualify the TET within the time that we have allowed, they shall have to quit service. They may be compulsorily retired; and paid whatever terminal benefits they are entitled to.
In a query whether TET qualifications are mandatory for teachers in both government and private schools, including those registered and unregistered, the department said, “The TET qualifications are mandatory for teachers in both government and private schools, including registered schools. Apposite to mention that the School Education Department requires to proceed against the unregistered institutions in accordance with law.”
The Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, UT of J&K has further said that the existing teachers need to qualify TET. The Supreme Court while exercising the powers under Art. 142 of the Constitution of India has carved an exception with regard to the in-service teachers who have less than 5 years of service left as provided in para 216 of the judgment as submitted above.
In another query as to whether the TET requirement is retrospectively applicable to teachers appointed before and after the introduction of TET in 2010.
(Straight Talk Communications)