Sri Vijaya Puram, April 15: Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee, on Wednesday criticised the recent order mandating the Central Teacher Eligibility Test for in-service teachers, alleging that its retrospective implementation is unjust and detrimental to experienced educators.
In a statement, Mr. Bhasker said that while making teacher eligibility tests compulsory is a welcome step, applying the rule to teachers who have already served for 20–25 years is unfair.
He pointed out that under the new directive issued by the Directorate of Education, following the direction of Supreme Court, serving teachers are required to clear CTET, failing which they may face compulsory retirement if they do not qualify by September 1, 2027.
Mr. Bhasker further said that teachers with less than five years of service left have been granted temporary relief but would be denied promotions until they pass the eligibility test.
Calling the move an “atrocity,” he highlighted the lack of adequate preparation facilities, noting that the exam is conducted only once a year and that no proper training or coaching support has been provided to teachers.
“The last CTET was conducted in 2024, and in the year 2025 there has been no exam. Also, the exam is being conducted only once a year. Without proper guidance or access to question patterns, expecting teachers to clear a compulsory test is unreasonable,” he said.
The Congress leader also alleged that the policy could adversely impact the education system and linked it to broader concerns over school closures and privatisation under the Bharatiya Janata Party government. He claimed that around 90,000 schools have been closed across the country under privatisation policies.
Referring to judicial principles, Mr. Bhasker noted that several states have already filed appeals against the Supreme Court order. He urged the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to similarly move an appeal to safeguard the interests of teachers.
“Teachers are like God for students, and it is because of them that society produces officers and leaders,” he added.