The Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM) has started a statewide movement in Tripura demanding permanent TET exemption for primary teachers appointed before 2010. Teachers submitted memorandums to the central government through district administrations, seeking job security after concerns linked to a recent Supreme Court verdict.
Quick Glance
- ABRSM demands permanent TET exemption for primary teachers appointed before 2010.
- Memorandums submitted to the Prime Minister and Union Education Minister through Tripura district administrations.
- Teachers claim TET was not mandatory during their recruitment period.
- Organisation seeks protection for experienced teachers with 15-20 years of service.
Agartala/Dharmanagar: The demand for permanent exemption from the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) has gained momentum in Tripura, with primary teachers and the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM) launching a statewide movement.
The organisation has opposed any possible move to make TET qualification compulsory for retaining the jobs of primary teachers appointed before 2010.
ABRSM said the issue has created uncertainty among experienced teachers following recent legal developments. The organisation has urged the central government to consider the matter carefully and protect the employment security of teachers who have served for many years.
The movement was organised across different districts of Tripura. Teachers submitted memorandums requesting intervention from the central leadership.
Memorandum Submitted to PM and Education Minister
The North District TET Movement Committee of ABRSM submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan through the District Magistrate of North Tripura.
The organisation requested immediate steps to safeguard the careers of pre-2010 appointed teachers.
A similar programme was held in Belonia, the headquarters of South Tripura district. A five-member delegation submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate with the same demand.
The teachers stated that they were appointed under the government rules that existed before 2010. At that time, TET was not a mandatory eligibility requirement for teacher recruitment.
Teachers Cite RTE Act and Recruitment Timeline
According to the teachers, the introduction of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 brought changes in teacher eligibility norms.
They stated that TET became mandatory for new teacher appointments from 2010 onwards. However, teachers recruited before that period should not face the same requirement after completing several years of service.
ABRSM argued that many teachers have already contributed 15 to 20 years to the education sector.
The organisation said asking such teachers to appear for TET again may create hardship and uncertainty in their professional lives.
Key Details of the Teachers’ Demand
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation leading movement | ABRSM |
| Main demand | Permanent TET exemption |
| Target group | Primary teachers appointed before 2010 |
| Duration of service concern | Around 15-20 years |
| Memorandum addressed to | Prime Minister and Union Education Minister |
| Locations of programmes | North Tripura and Belonia, South Tripura |
ABRSM Seeks Humanitarian Approach from Government
The organisation stated that the government should consider humanitarian, legal and administrative factors before taking any decision.
ABRSM said experienced teachers should receive special consideration because they entered service under the rules applicable at that time.
During the Belonia programme, a teacher representative highlighted that pre-2010 teachers followed all recruitment procedures that existed during their appointment.
The representative said that changing eligibility conditions after decades of service has created anxiety among teachers.
The teachers appealed to the central government to review the issue and provide a permanent solution.
Teachers’ Delegations Submit Memorandums in Tripura Districts
The memorandum submission programme in North Tripura saw participation from several teacher representatives and ABRSM members.
The delegation included North District TET Movement Committee coordinator Dr. Mousam Bhattacharya, Paritosh Nag, Arbindu Debnath, Manas De and Subhash Chandra Nath.
In South Tripura, the Belonia delegation included ABRSM president Tirtharam Dutta, secretary Sanat Dutta, Dr. Tapan Shil and Dr. Bijoy Krishna Das.
Teachers from different areas also joined the programmes and supported the demand.
Statewide Movement to Continue, Says Organisation
ABRSM leaders said similar demonstrations were organised in different districts of Tripura.
The organisation stated that it will continue its democratic movement until the government addresses the demand.
The teachers are seeking a policy decision that protects their careers while recognising their years of service in the education sector.
The next step depends on the response from the central government and education authorities.