Editor,
This refers to the news item published on 4 February, 2026 regarding the uncertainty faced by thousands of in-service teachers in Meghalaya and other states following the September 1 order of the making the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) compulsory for all teachers.
No teacher is opposed to improving educational standards. What is deeply troubling is the fear that a lifetime of honest service may suddenly be rendered inadequate, not due to any failure of duty, but because of a requirement that did not exist at the time of appointment.
Teachers appointed before the enforcement of the entered service after fulfilling all the prescribed qualifications of that period. Their appointments were duly approved by the competent authorities, their services confirmed, and their lives gradually built around that assurance—supporting families, educating children, and planning for a dignified retirement. Applying a new condition retrospectively is, for them, like changing the rules after the game has long been played.
For many, teaching has never been just a job. It has meant years spent in remote villages, overcrowded classrooms, and modest conditions, driven more by commitment than compensation. To now suggest that such experience carries little value unless validated by a single test is not only demoralising but profoundly unfair.
The anxiety goes beyond employment; it is about dignity and security. Sudden disqualification near the end of a career threatens livelihood and self-respect alike. Teachers are not interchangeable parts; they are mentors and anchors of stability in schools where children—especially from vulnerable communities—depend on continuity and trust.
The wider consequences are equally alarming. In Meghalaya alone, over 32,000 teachers may be affected. Their removal would severely disrupt schools, particularly in rural and tribal areas, weaken teacher–student ratios, and ultimately harm students’ right to education. Reform that unsettles functioning schools and disturbs children cannot be considered progress.
It is worth recalling that the has long recognised the value of professional experience and in-service training, and that the speaks of empowering teachers through continuous development—not discarding them mid-journey.
It is therefore sincerely hoped that teachers appointed prior to the RTE/TET regime are granted exemption. However, should the Hon’ble Court ultimately decide otherwise, compassion must guide implementation. At the very least, teachers should be offered an entirely voluntary retirement option, with all the benefits they would normally receive on superannuation—including full pension, gratuity, leave encashment, and other admissible dues—so that they may exit with dignity rather than distress.
A society that forgets its teachers forgets its own foundations. This moment calls for balance, sensitivity, and humane judgment, so that those who devoted their lives to shaping young minds are not left anxious and unheard in the twilight of their service.
The views expressed here are totally personal and intended in the larger public interest only.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj,
Via email
Together in the age of artificial intelligence
Editor,
When I was a child, I was taught that not everything on the internet is true. Today, in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), this lesson is more important than ever. Videos, audios and images can now be created by AI to look and sound very real. Because of this, it is becoming harder to know what is real and what is fake.
Many younger people and adults who are familiar with technology can recognize AI-generated content. However, elders who are not familiar with digital technology, but still use platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, etc. are more likely to be misled. This can be dangerous. They may fall victim to scams such as deepfake phone calls, fake videos and audios or edited images shared online. They may also feel stressed after believing false news, share misinformation without knowing it, or follow unsafe medical or financial advice. I have noticed this myself with some elders. They often say things like, “Wow, I saw this news,” or “I saw this video where such and such happened in this place.” When I check, I see that the content is AI-generated. Even then, they may insist that it is real and I have to explain what AI is and how it can create such realistic videos or images. This shows how easily AI content can be trusted if someone is not familiar with it.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that AI itself is not the enemy. Like any technology, AI is a blessing when used responsibly. The real challenge is not AI, but the lack of awareness about how it works and how it can be misused.
People who are comfortable with technology, including family members and friends, can help by gently guiding elders to be more careful with online content. A few simple steps can help:
1. Check the source: Trusted websites and verified accounts are usually safer.
2. Compare information: Look for the same news on other reliable websites.
3. Look closely: Strange shadows, blurry text, or unnatural faces in images may be signs of AI.
4. Listen carefully: AI voices may sound too smooth, robotic, or have odd pauses.
5. Pause before acting: Do not rush to share information or give money or personal details.
6. Use fact-checking websites: Sites like Snopes or FactCheck.org can help confirm the truth.
7. Ask someone you trust: A tech-savvy friend or family member can help check the content.
8. Trust your instincts: If something sounds shocking or unbelievable, check it again before believing or sharing it.
We must continue to teach one another how to stay safe online. As technology evolves, the risks become more complex and harder to detect. This is not about blaming technology, but about responsibility, awareness and inter-generational support in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Yours etc.,
Zaman E. Tongper
Via email
A Clarification
Editor,
With reference to my letter titled “Breakthrough for NES” published in your esteemed daily on January 31, 2026, I wish to offer a brief clarification regarding the timeline mentioned therein. In the text, I referred to “tomorrow’s confirmation” from the CEO of Prasar Bharati. While the literal date I had in mind during the drafting process was January 28, I would like the readers and the authorities to view “tomorrow” in a more symbolic light. In the context of our long-standing struggle to restore The North Eastern Service (NES) Of Akashvani on shortwave radio, “tomorrow” represents the imminent future of regional broadcasting, a future where our voices are no longer silenced by the “funeral of shortwave” but are instead amplified through the restoration of the 4970kHz and 7315kHz shortwave radio frequencies.
The breakthrough we seek is not confined to a single day on the calendar, but rather a permanent shift towards equality for Northeast India. I remain hopeful that this “metaphorical tomorrow” arrives soon, ensuring that the systematic dismantling of our regional radio identity is finally reversed.
Yours etc.,
Hamemanbha Lyngdoh Lawai,
Via email
