Teachers mobilise against order affecting over one lakh:To file review petition in SC, preparing case against mandatory TET requirement

A government teachers’ organization in Madhya Pradesh has mobilised against a recent order issued by the School Education Department, which is expected to impact the appointments of over 1.5 lakh teachers. The organization has announced that it will file a review petition in the Supreme Court of India on Monday. Teachers have also urged the state government to file a petition, but officials have not shown a positive response so far. Preparations complete for legal challenge Executive State President Upendra Kaushal said the order mandating the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for existing teachers will be challenged in the apex court. The organization has completed all preparations in New Delhi, including consultation with legal experts and documentation for filing the petition. Demand to exempt pre-2013 appointees The teachers’ body is seeking exemption from the TET requirement for those appointed before 2013, including education workers, contractual teachers and “guruji”-category staff. A team led by divisional president Rajesh Pandey (Narmadapuram/Hoshangabad) met senior advocate S.K. Gangele, a former judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, to finalise the legal strategy. Order mandates TET for pre-RTE teachers The School Education Department has directed that teachers appointed before the implementation of the Right to Education Act must pass the TET to continue in service. The Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI), Bhopal, has issued instructions to divisional joint directors and district education officers to enforce the rule. Two-year deadline to clear exam As per the order, affected teachers must clear the TET within two years from the date of notification. Failure to pass the exam within the stipulated period could result in termination from service. Legal battle ahead The order, reportedly based on a Supreme Court ruling, has triggered widespread concern among teachers across the state. With legal teams already working from Delhi, the teachers’ organization is set to intensify its fight in court in the coming days.