M’laya govt to challenge SC’s judgment on TET

Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the state government would file a review petition challenging the Supreme Court judgement making the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory for all in-service teachers across the country.
“We will appeal to the Supreme Court to exempt all those teachers who were appointed before the Right to Education came into effect besides the subsequent notification of National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) notification set the standards for the teachers,” Rymbui said.
Noting that over 32,000 teachers in Meghalaya will be affected by the judgment, the Education Minister said the apex court ruling could have far-reaching consequences in the state.
“This decision has retrospective effect. Teachers who have already dedicated 20–25 years of service are now required to clear TET within two years,” he said.
The Supreme Court, in the case of Anjuman Ishaat-e-Taleem Trust vs Maharashtra government and others, mandated that all serving teachers from Class I to VIII to pass the TET for retaining their positions and for promotions. On October 25, the Meghalaya Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Schools Association (MSSASA) has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court, seeking a review of its judgment, making the TET mandatory for all in-service teachers.
MSSASA President, Aristotle Rymbai argued that the retrospective application of the judgment is unfair, particularly for long-serving teachers nearing retirement.
He said the association has sought relief for teachers who were appointed prior to the enforcement of TET requirements.