TN Assembly exempts pre-2010 teachers from TET
The Tamil Nadu Assembly adopted a resolution on Tuesday to permanently exempt government teachers appointed before 23 August 2010 from the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). The move will affect 3,28,701 teachers across the state, according to Education Minister A Rajmohan.
Resolution Details
The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution on Tuesday that will fully and permanently exempt government teachers who were appointed before 23 August 2010 from the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). The resolution was presented by School Education Minister A Rajmohan, who said that the exemption would safeguard the job security of teachers who have served for 15 to 20 years without interruption.
The resolution urges the Union Government to provide a permanent exemption from TET for these teachers, amend Section 23 of the Right to Education Act 2009 to facilitate the exemption through official NCTE guidelines, and ensure that the teachers continue to receive all job benefits, including promotions, without obstruction.
Impact on Teachers
According to Rajmohan, approximately 3,28,701 government school teachers across Tamil Nadu will be affected by the TET requirement. These teachers face the risk of losing their job benefits or their positions if they do not pass the exam. The minister highlighted that many of these educators have dedicated 15 to 20 years of uninterrupted service, and requiring them to clear a new exam is seen as a threat to their livelihoods.
The resolution also calls for amending the RTE Act of 2009 to safeguard the teachers' livelihood and service benefits. The move is intended to prevent the loss of benefits and to allow teachers to continue their careers without obstruction.
Political Support
The resolution was supported by members of the DMK, AIADMK, CPI, and PMK parties. DMK member and former state minister E V Velu noted that the previous DMK regime had taken up this issue before the Supreme Court. He said that much of the problem currently faced would not have occurred had education been brought under the state list.
The resolution was passed by a voice vote, indicating unanimous support among the parties present.
Legal Context
TET has been made a mandatory qualification for teachers under the Right to Education Act 2009. A recent Supreme Court ruling held that even current teachers must clear the exam to get promoted or risk losing their jobs. Minister Rajmohan explained that forcing experienced educators to take the exam is unfair and threatens their job security and career growth.
The resolution therefore urges the Centre to provide full and permanent exemption from TET to those appointed before 23 August 2010, thereby aligning the state’s policy with the legal requirements and the teachers’ interests.
The article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
