Srinagar, Feb 25:
Amid growing anxiety within the teaching community, Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Wednesday categorically stated that the government has not issued any fresh order regarding the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). She emphasized that there is no immediate requirement or urgency to enforce such a mandate in the Union Territory.
The Minister’s clarification comes as a major relief to thousands of teachers following a wave of rumors on social media suggesting that qualifying the TET would become mandatory for continued service.
“Wait and Watch” Policy on Supreme Court Directive
Minister Itoo acknowledged that while the Hon’ble Supreme Court had previously directed that teachers across all States and Union Territories should qualify for the TET, the J&K government is opting for a “wait and watch” approach.
“We are closely examining how this directive is being implemented in other parts of the country before taking any steps here,” she said. After reviewing the case file, the government decided to study the pattern, mechanism, and practical implications of the exam in other states first.
Honoring Decades of Service
In a strong defense of the existing teaching workforce, the Minister highlighted the immense contribution of veteran educators. She noted that many teachers have served for 25 to 35 years, producing generations of successful professionals.
“Our teachers have educated students who are now serving as Doctors, Engineers, IAS, KAS officers, and Professors. It would not be appropriate to rush into an implementation that ignores the ground realities and the significant service these individuals have rendered to society,” Itoo remarked.
Key Highlights of the Statement:
-
No New Order: There is currently no government order mandating TET for existing teachers in J&K.
-
The Two-Year Window: The Minister pointed out that the Supreme Court itself has provided a two-year window for the matter, removing any pressure for immediate enforcement.
-
Historical Context: She noted that the concept of eligibility tests isn’t new, tracing back to the tenure of late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and former Education Minister Naeem Akhtar’s RET framework.
-
Uniform Enforcement: J&K will only take a “considered call” once the directive is enforced uniformly across India and further instructions are received from the apex court.
A Warning Against Social Media Rumors
Minister Itoo urged the public and the teaching fraternity not to fall prey to misinformation. She reiterated that the confusion being created on social media platforms is based on non-existent orders.
“As of now, there is no immediate enforcement. We will review the matter only if it becomes a nationwide standard,” she concluded.
