Port Blair, Oct. 6: The Member of Parliament, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of A & N Islands for a one-time age relaxation for the PGT selection in 2023.

In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament said that there is large-scale disappointment and concern among potential candidates for the Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) positions in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands regarding the age limit set for the PGT position under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. The age limit set at 30 years, considering the extensive qualifications required, is perceived as unfeasible by many.

He added that given the point distribution for qualifications – it's challenging to understand how a candidate is expected to achieve all these qualifications and the required experience within a span of 30 years. This age limit is especially distressing to candidates, who have been patiently waiting for the PGT positions to open. As a result many candidates now find themselves ineligible due to the age restriction.

The Member of Parliament pointed out that in 2018, the administration sought claims and objections for the age limit of 30 years for PGT and GTT posts. A significant number of candidates voiced their concerns. Yet, in 2019, the recruitment rules were amended, decreasing the age limit from 37 to 30 years. It's also pertinent to note that most states in our country have an age limit ranging from 37 to 40 years for the selection of PGT.

Considering the above, on behalf of the affected candidates, he requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to provide a one-time age relaxation for the PGT selection in 2023.

By doing so, the Administration can give a fair opportunity to those who have been dedicatedly waiting for these positions to open up, he added.