Supreme Court rejects plea challenging competency test for teachers in Bihar
- In Reports
- 12:26 PM, Jun 28, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Supreme Court stated that teachers play a crucial role in nation-building and should be willing to upgrade their skills or consider resigning. The Court refused to entertain a petition filed by local body teachers in Bihar who were opposing a competency test mandated by the state. The test aims to enhance the quality of education in rural schools.
A vacation bench comprising justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan expressed their stance, emphasising their concern for the education of children in Bihar. They stated that if any teacher is unwilling to adhere to the rule, they should resign. However, they encouraged teachers who are committed to serving students to participate in the competency examination.
The court heard a petition from two groups of teachers employed in Panchayat-run schools in Bihar, challenging the Bihar School Exclusive Teachers Rules, 2023, which mandate a competency exam. The state clarified that the test is optional, and teachers opting out will not face dismissal. Those passing the exam would receive parity with state government teachers. The petitioners had previously lost their case in the Patna High Court and appealed to the Supreme Court against its April 2, 2024 judgment.
Dismissing the teachers' petitions, the bench stated, "Teachers build the nation. In a state like Bihar, if the government is making an effort to improve teachers, you are not allowing it. If you cannot face these tests, then leave."
The teachers, represented by their lawyers, informed the court that these Niyojit teachers had already proven their competence by taking a competency examination when their services were regulated by the Bihar Panchayat Teachers Rules, 2012. Initially, these teachers were appointed under the Bihar Panchayat Primary Teacher Rules, 2006. Some of them were Shiksha Mitras, appointed before 2006, who were later absorbed as Niyojit teachers under the Primary Teachers Rules, 2006.
The Patna High Court, while upholding the 2023 rule, stated that it presented a valuable opportunity for Niyojit teachers to achieve parity with existing state government teachers. The HC observed that the test aimed to motivate teachers to continue their education and reach a standard equivalent to that of newly recruited teachers under the State School Teachers Rules, 2023.
Before the HC, the state government argued that the policy change was essential to ensure teaching quality and significantly improve education in the state. The state added that the current policy also protected teachers' livelihoods.
The top court agreed with the HC's findings and remarked, "The objective of these rules is to update teachers. We know these teachers receive a high salary and often remain stagnant. Any state rule aimed at upgrading teachers' skills is commendable."
Image source: Hindustan Times
Comments