TN Assembly Passes Resolution Seeking TET Exemption for Pre-2010 Teachers

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in Chennai moved a resolution on Tuesday urging the Union Government to grant a full and permanent exemption from the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for government school teachers appointed before August 23, 2010.

Moving the resolution in the House, State Minister for School Education A Rajmohan stated that clearing the hitherto mandatory eligibility test should not be required for experienced teachers to retain their posts or receive career benefits.

The Minister said there are 3,28,701 government school teachers across Tamil Nadu who were expected to appear for the TET. Under existing norms, these teachers faced the risk of losing their positions or forfeiting key employment benefits if they failed to clear the examination.

Highlighting the concerns of educators, Rajmohan noted that many of these teachers have completed 15 to 20 years of uninterrupted service. Forcing such experienced staff to pass a new qualification examination at this stage of their careers was seen as a direct threat to their job security and livelihoods.

Through the resolution, the Assembly urged the Union Government to amend Section 23 of the Right to Education Act, 2009. The amendment would enable the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to issue official guidelines providing a permanent exemption for teachers recruited before the August 2010 cutoff date.

Rajmohan added that securing the permanent exemption would safeguard the career progression of educators, ensuring that teachers continue to receive all service benefits, including promotions, without obstruction.