Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passes TET exemption resolution

The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution seeking an exemption from the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for government teachers appointed before October 31, 2019. Moved by School Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, the resolution urges the Union Government to amend Section 23 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, to accommodate experienced educators.

The resolution also calls for the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to issue the necessary notifications to grant this exemption. During the debate, legislators argued that the move protects the dignity of long-serving teachers who have already contributed significantly to the education sector. The push follows a Supreme Court verdict establishing TET as a mandatory qualification under the RTE Act.

In separate legislative business, members of the Assembly raised various public welfare concerns, including shortages of medical supplies, drinking water scarcity, agricultural losses due to hailstorms, and the need for improved road infrastructure and forest clearances for development projects.