Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution Seeking TET Exemption for Pre-2010 Government Teachers

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has passed a resolution urging the Union government to provide a full and permanent exemption from the Teacher Eligibility Test for government school teachers appointed before August 23, 2010.

The resolution seeks to protect teachers who entered government service before the TET qualification became mandatory under the Right to Education Act. The state government has urged the Centre to amend Section 23 of the RTE Act, 2009, and issue appropriate guidelines through the National Council for Teacher Education to grant the proposed exemption.

According to the state government, around 3.28 lakh government school teachers in Tamil Nadu could be affected by the TET requirement. Many of these teachers have completed between 15 and 20 years of uninterrupted service and could face difficulties related to service benefits, promotions or job security if they fail to clear the examination.

The resolution also seeks to ensure that eligible teachers continue to receive all service benefits, including promotions, without being adversely affected by the TET requirement.

The issue has gained significance following a recent Supreme Court ruling concerning the applicability of the Teacher Eligibility Test for serving teachers. The ruling raised concerns among teachers appointed before the TET requirement came into force, particularly regarding promotions and the continuation of service.

The Tamil Nadu government has argued that requiring experienced teachers, who were appointed before the introduction of the mandatory TET qualification, to clear the examination could affect their job security and career progression.

The resolution specifically seeks relief for government school teachers appointed before August 23, 2010, when the TET requirement was not applicable to them at the time of their appointment.

Members from multiple political parties supported the resolution, which was subsequently passed by a voice vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The state has now urged the Centre to take appropriate steps to provide a permanent exemption for eligible pre-2010 government school teachers.