TS UTF urges PM to exempt in-service teachers from TET requirement

The Telangana State United Teachers' Federation urged PM Modi to amend the RTE Act, exempting teachers appointed before August 23, 2010, from retrospective TET requirements. The body also sought a Supreme Court review to protect in-service teachers’ careers and promotions

Hyderabad: The Telangana State United Teachers’ Federation (TS UTF) urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to amend the RTE Act 2009 and protect teachers from retrospective application of Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) requirement for all in-service teachers.

In a representation sent to the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday, TS UTF president Chava Ravi urged the Prime Minister to direct the Union government to file a review petition before the Supreme Court, seeking complete protection from compulsory TET requirement for teachers appointed before August 23, 2010, citing NCTE’s earlier exemption.

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The teachers’ body simultaneously wanted the government to initiate necessary amendments to Section 23 of RTE Act, 2009, and related NCTE guidelines so as to permanently exempt teachers appointed prior to August 23, 2010, from TET requirement for service continuation and promotion.

The move by the teachers comes as the Supreme Court recently passed a verdict, mandating TET requirement for all in-service teachers who have five or more years of service. However, it is not compulsory for teachers with less than five years of service but they have to qualify the TET if they seek promotion.

“Swift action on this matter will prevent irreparable damage to careers of thousands of experienced teachers, maintain stability in the school education system, and uphold the dignity of the teaching profession,” it added.