MP teachers protest TET mandate, demand exemption for in service staff

Teachers from across Madhya Pradesh gathered in Bhopal on April 18 to protest against the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test requirement, calling for its withdrawal for those already in service.

The demonstration at BHEL ground comes after a Supreme Court observation making TET qualification compulsory for in service teachers to continue in service or be eligible for promotions.

As per the directive, teachers with more than five years of service remaining must clear the test, while those nearing retirement are exempt but will not be considered for promotions without qualifying.

Protesters argued that the rule should not be applied to teachers who have already spent decades in service and demanded that the state government intervene.

A teacher from Jhabua, Kailash Vashuniya, said, “We, teachers from all 55 districts of the state, have gathered here at BHEL Dussehra Maidan. We have only one demand from the government: when we have already completed 20-25 years of service, why are we being asked to take an examination now? Are doctors who were recruited through PMT being asked to take the NEET exam again? Are recruited engineers being asked to appear for JEE Main again? Are police personnel being asked to undergo physical tests again? When such re-examinations are not being conducted in other departments, why is it being imposed only on teachers? It is unfortunate that teachers, who are nation-builders, are being forced to come out on the streets to protest for their rights.”

He added that while teachers respect the court’s decision, they want the state government to seek a review and exempt those appointed before 2009.

Referring to the Right to Education Act, he said, “But why is it being applied to those appointed before it? Any rule is meant for the future, not for the past.”

Another teacher, Bhadbhad Dangi, also opposed the move, saying, “The RTE Act was implemented in 2010, and any rule applies from the time it is enforced and onwards. It is never applied retrospectively. Therefore, we request that our appointments be made based on the criteria set through official gazette notifications.”

“All teachers appointed after 2005 have cleared the Vyapam examinations (now Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB)). We have continuously undergone training in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations,” Dangi added.

He further said, “Education is the backbone of society; if education and teachers are removed, nothing will remain in the world. If those who are nation-builders are being troubled, how can the government talk about the country’s progress?” “Incorrect facts were presented before the court. Only a few states had stated that they were unable to find TET-qualified teachers, and the provision was meant for them, but it has been imposed across the entire country,” Dangi added.

Teachers warned that protests could intensify if their demands are not met. The state government has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court regarding the matter.