SHILLONG: Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui raised a critical issue concerning the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) during his address at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Directorate of Educational Research and Training (DERT), Shillong.
Rymbui informed that the recent Supreme Court ruling where all the teachers have to Pass TET at a conservative estimate, the Minister revealed that we have not less than 25,000 to 30,000 teachers in Meghalaya which have not completed TET.
“Those who wish to continue in the teaching profession must complete the TET within the next two years. If they fail to do so, they will have to relinquish their positions, as they will not meet the eligibility criteria,” Rymbui stated.
He said this is a very crucial issue, “Am, speaking if the Supreme Court does not modify its order in due course of time, but we should not wait for that Modification or otherwise orders to come,” he added.
The Minister expressed concern whether the DERT has the capacity to conduct the test for the 25000 – 30000 in-service teachers and also the aspiring teachers and how we will do it. That is very important this year.
Rymbui further addressed eligibility barriers, noting that candidates must secure at least 45% in their Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) and hold a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) to appear for the TET. For Upper Primary they have to have 45% with D.El.Ed or B.Ed..
“This is a serious responsibility for the department. We need to examine whether those who fall short of the required marks or lack the D.El.Ed qualification can still be allowed to take the TET,” he said.
The Minister urged the Education Commissioner to engage with the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to seek guidance and possible flexibility on the matter.
His remarks came as part of a broader reflection on DERT’s 50 years of service to the state’s education sector. As DERT enters its Golden Jubilee year, the Minister underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to address upcoming challenges and uphold quality standards in teacher education across Meghalaya.
