TN Assembly Passes Resolution to Exempt Pre-2010 Teachers From Mandatory TET

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in Chennai on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Union Government to fully and permanently exempt government teachers appointed before August 23, 2010, from clearing the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test to retain their positions and service benefits.

Piloting the resolution, School Education Minister A Rajmohan stated that approximately 3,28,701 government school teachers across the state face the risk of losing their job benefits or positions if they fail to pass the exam.

Rajmohan highlighted that many of these teachers have completed 15 to 20 years of uninterrupted service. He noted that requiring experienced educators to pass an exam at this stage threatens their job security and livelihoods.

The resolution specifically urges the Centre to amend Section 23 of the Right to Education Act 2009 and issue appropriate National Council for Teacher Education guidelines to facilitate the exemption. This step is intended to ensure that veteran teachers continue to receive promotions and other service benefits without obstruction.

The requirement for TET was established as a mandatory qualification under the Right to Education Act 2009. A recent Supreme Court ruling held that existing teachers must clear the examination to receive promotions or avoid the loss of their jobs.

During the discussion, DMK member and former state minister E V Velu remarked that the previous DMK regime had taken the issue to the Supreme Court. He noted that the ongoing challenges could have been avoided if education were listed under the state list.

Members representing the DMK, AIADMK, CPI, CPI(M), and PMK expressed their support for the measure, after which the resolution was officially passed by a voice vote in the House.