Regarding need to exempt the teachers appointed prior to implementation of RTE Act, 2009 from mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET)-Laid

Regarding need to exempt the teachers appointed prior to implementation of RTE Act, 2009 from mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET)-Laid SHRI APPALANAIDU KALISETTI (VIZIANAGARAM): I wish to draw the attention of the Government to a pressing issue concerning senior teachers who have served in schools across the country for several decades. The National Council for Teacher Education made the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory, and this provision was incorporated into the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Since 2011, Governments have been conducting TET examinations for new appointments. Recently, the Hon?ble Supreme Court of India ruled that all teachers, including those appointed before the RTE Act came into force, must qualify in the TET. The judgment states that teachers who fail to clear the examination within two years may face removal from service. This decision has caused serious concern among nearly one lakh teachers who joined the profession prior to the RTE Act. Many have served with dedication for three to four decades. At this stage of their careers, requiring them to appear for TET has created considerable stress and uncertainty.

Teacher organisations, including the Andhra Pradesh Teachers? Federation, have expressed concern. I urge the Government to examine the matter and consider granting exemption from TET for teachers appointed before the implementation of the RTE Act.