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JKTF Baramulla highlights concerns of educators after decades of service. (Img: Dynamite News)
Jammu: A major debate has erupted among teachers in Jammu and Kashmir over a proposed Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) requirement for veteran educators who have already spent two to three decades in government service. JKTF Baramulla has questioned whether experienced teachers should be asked to prove their eligibility again after years of teaching generations of students.
The issue has gained attention as education bodies debate the balance between maintaining teaching standards and respecting the experience of long-serving educators who have contributed significantly to the public education system.
The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) Baramulla has strongly opposed the proposed requirement of Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for teachers who have completed 20 to 30 years of service, calling it unfair and demoralising for experienced educators.
JKTF Baramulla District President Farooq Hussain Dar said that teachers who have dedicated decades to classrooms, educated thousands of students and strengthened the education system should not be evaluated only through another examination at this stage of their careers.
The teachers’ body said the concern is not about avoiding an examination but about recognising professional experience, practical knowledge and years of contribution made by veteran teachers.
The JKTF said many senior teachers have spent their entire professional lives improving learning outcomes, guiding students and supporting the education department’s functioning.
According to the forum, classroom experience gained over 20 to 30 years represents a valuable form of professional competence that cannot be measured only through a written eligibility test.
The organisation argued that a teacher’s complete career journey, including years of teaching, training and mentoring students, should be considered while framing education policies.
The teachers’ forum highlighted that quality education and professional standards remain important goals, but policy decisions should also acknowledge the contribution of experienced educators.
JKTF said asking veteran teachers to appear for TET after decades of service raises concerns about professional dignity and recognition.
The forum maintained that senior teachers should not feel that their years of service have been ignored and that any new regulation should create a balanced approach between educational reforms and employee welfare.
The controversy has opened a wider discussion on teacher eligibility norms across the education sector. Teacher Eligibility Test requirements are generally introduced to ensure minimum teaching standards, improve classroom quality and strengthen the overall education system.
However, veteran teachers argue that years of teaching experience, student engagement and practical classroom knowledge should also be considered important indicators of competence. The debate reflects the challenge faced by policymakers in implementing reforms while addressing concerns of existing teachers who have spent decades serving in government schools.
The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum Baramulla said it has already highlighted the matter before senior authorities, including the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister and Prime Minister.
The organisation has urged the government to review the proposed TET requirement and consider exemptions for eligible long-serving teachers. JKTF believes such an approach would recognise the contribution of experienced educators while continuing efforts to improve educational quality.
The proposed eligibility requirement has created uncertainty among veteran teachers who fear that decades of service could be overlooked under new regulations.
For many educators, the issue is not only about examination eligibility but also about recognition of their professional journey, years of classroom responsibility and contribution towards building future generations.
The final government decision could have wider implications for teacher policy, service rules and education reforms in Jammu and Kashmir. The focus now remains on the government’s response to the concerns raised by JKTF Baramulla. The outcome of this debate could shape how future education policies balance eligibility requirements with professional experience.
