By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 23: At least 10,000 teachers in Meghalaya, who have not cleared the TET (Teacher Eligibility Test), may soon lose their jobs because of a recent Supreme Court verdict.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said that the apex court, in its order on September 1, made it mandatory for all teachers to clear the TET exam within two years.
He said he found the verdict baffling and has been holding a series of meetings with different associations of teachers, and officials of the Law and other departments.
“We are looking at coordinating with other state governments to approach the Supreme Court for a review of the matter,” Rymbui said.
He said the apex court exempted the teachers who have five years of service left, but they will not be given promotion. “The verdict will have a retrospective effect,” he added. Fearing that the court’s verdict would affect 10,000-15,000 teachers in Meghalaya, he said the DSEOs have been directed to find out the details of the teachers and their qualifications.
Rymbui acknowledged the contribution of the teachers over 25-30 years and said he has been seeking the views and suggestions from different stakeholders on how to go forward.
Notably, the Supreme Court’s verdict exempts minority institutions, and the matter has been referred to the constitutional bench.
Stating that the apex court’s verdict is not wrong and every child has the right to quality education and qualified teachers, Rymbui said that the government is trying to ensure the teachers do not lose their jobs. “However, we will have to conduct the TET exams,” he said.
