By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 25: The Meghalaya SSA Schools’ Association (MSSASA) has filed a review petition before the Supreme Court seeking reconsideration of its September 1 judgment that makes the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory for all in-service teachers to continue in service.
MSSASA president Aristotle Rymbai informed that the association’s central body submitted the review petition on Saturday, challenging the apex court’s final judgment in the Anjuman Ishaat-E-Taleem Trust vs State of Maharashtra case.
The ruling has directed that TET be made compulsory for every in-service teacher across the country, irrespective of their years of experience or service.
Rymbai said the move to file a review petition was taken after extensive consultation among members and in response to growing concern among SSA teachers in Meghalaya. He expressed gratitude to all SSA teachers in the state for their support and solidarity in this matter.
Rymbai had earlier expressed concern over the Supreme Court’s decision, saying it would have “serious ramifications on the future of teachers.”
He also noted that the decision to file the review petition was placed before the general meeting because it would involve significant financial implications and, therefore, required the support of all teachers.
“It is the teachers who are directly affected by this verdict. Should we remain silent and wait for the government’s next step? We need to act together,” the MSSASA president stated.
He said that the Supreme Court’s decision is based on the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) notification on August 23, 2010, and the amendments to the Right to Education (RTE) Act in 2017.
Earlier, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui had voiced deep concern over the implications of the Supreme Court directive, pointing out that its retrospective effect could have far-reaching consequences for Meghalaya’s teaching community.
“This decision has retrospective effect. Teachers who have already dedicated 20–25 years of service are now required to clear TET within two years. In Meghalaya alone, the order may affect 10,000 to 15,000 teachers,” Rymbui stated.
The minister said the Education Department has already sought detailed information from all district education officers to compile data on the number of teachers, their educational qualifications, years of service, and current TET status.
The outcome of the review petition will be closely watched, as it could determine the future of thousands of in-service teachers in Meghalaya and other states similarly affected by the Supreme Court ruling.
