Tamil Nadu Assembly Seeks TET Exemption for Pre-2010 Teachers

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution seeking permanent exemption from the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for teachers appointed before August 23, 2010.

School Education Minister A Rajmohan moved the resolution on August 25, urging the Union government to amend the Right to Education Act and provide statutory protection to the affected teachers.

Tamil Nadu TET Exemption Resolution: Key Details

What Does the Resolution Seek?

The resolution asks the Centre to fully and permanently exempt teachers appointed before August 23, 2010, from appearing for and passing the TET.

It also seeks amendments to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, along with appropriate National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) provisions to provide legal backing for the exemption.

Why Has Tamil Nadu Sought TET Exemption?

According to the resolution, around 3,28,701 government school teachers are affected by the TET requirement. Many of these teachers were appointed under the rules applicable before TET became mandatory.

The state has argued that teachers who have already served for 15 to 20 years should not be required to clear a newly applicable eligibility condition retrospectively. The issue also concerns their job security, promotions, and other service benefits.

What Happens Next?

The resolution will now be forwarded to the Union government. Tamil Nadu has requested the Centre to make the required changes to the central legislation and provide permanent TET exemption to teachers covered by the August 23, 2010 cut-off.

The Assembly's resolution is a request to the Centre and does not itself change the existing TET requirement. Any permanent exemption would require the necessary legal and regulatory action at the central level.

Tamil Nadu TET Exemption FAQs