Screening test of ReT teachers

Rayaz Ahmed Malik
The recent decision of Government to hold Screening Test of ReT Teachers working in state has become a issue of debate and controversy among the masses and stakeholders. This decision came in light of a direction passed by Hon’ble Court as an applicant for ReT Teacher post (highlighted as ReT Teacher by media) could not give satisfactory answers to questions asked during pleading of a Case in the Court. It came to know that the said applicant (not ReT Teacher) had managed to obtain his qualification degrees from outside the state. After this controversy, ReT teachers became a public debate in every nook and corner of state.
It is noteworthy that ReT scheme for appointment of teachers at village level was started in 2000’s. It was really a good step to curb the unemployment at village level and thus the youth engaged worked hard to teach the students by getting meager salary. Although most of these ReT teachers were just 10+2 qualified having less experience to teach but some of these were enough qualified and experienced as having done their Master’s and Doctorate Degrees. At some places these teachers brought educational revolution as they put their all efforts in teaching in constrained infrastructure and facilities. These ReT teachers were able to raise the  educational standard  compared to earlier times. The students have shown their interest in learning Mathematics and English subjects which was a dream in most of the Government schools. These teachers shouldered many responsibilities including running Mid-Day Meals Scheme for students, assisting Election Department in preparation of Voter lists, EPI Cards, Election duties and much more.
Let us come to the row created on the news of holding screening test of those ReT Teachers who have been engaged atleast 10-15 years ago some of whom have attained the Masters Grade. Here it arises a question that if there is screening test for ReT Teachers, why not for general line teachers who have been selected by same procedure by JKSSB i.e. on the basis of their merit (except latest recruitment of Teachers). How can we say that a general line (GL) teacher is more capable than ReT teacher or vice-versa? It is seen that, somewhere ReT teachers have excelled and at some places, the GL teachers. It is the inner consciousness and hard work of a teacher but not his category of selection i.e. GL or ReT which determines his capability and aptitude of teaching. So it is difficult to say that which of the two is better. If there is such Screening Test policy, it should be applied to both the categories to test their capability. But at this stage, this would be a total injustice to this fraternity as it is matter of dignity, respect and honour for such a noble profession. This thing will become a point of criticism and debate among the students and society. The teachers who are builders of nation will feel a sense of embarrassment by taking this step as everybody in society will look upon them as none for nothing. It will be discrimination with these teachers and they will get demoralized. They will feel a sense of insecurity as every new Government sets up the rules and procedures according to their set up. Instead of enhancing their salaries they are given such a treatment. The society and students will have no respect for teachers by this act.
Instead of this debate, the Government can adopt a policy now onwards to stop and get rid of all such schemes like ReT etc. so that no such controversy will be there in future. The Government should appoint teachers having basic qualification not below the Graduation degree with compulsory professional teaching degree of B.Ed. Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), then, should be made mandatory for applying for such a pious and noble post of teacher. This is seen in many states in India, with regard to recruitment of teachers. Those who qualify TET should be screened for interview to be selected by recruiting agencies like JKSSB. This procedure will weed out the non-deserving candidates.
It is noteworthy that in recent selection of teachers by JKSSB the merit obtained by rejected candidates is not displayed. Even for selected candidates the merit is shown collectively but not separately for Entrance Test and Viva-Voce. No criteria is seen set for selectees as candidates having  qualifications of Graduation, Post-Graduation, M.Phil and Doctorate and even somewhere candidates having only 10+2 qualification are seen selected. Then why to curse only ReT teachers. No rule is seen to be followed in order to select the candidates on the basis of their qualification.
In the recent selection of teachers, good number of Ex-Servicemen from BSF/Army and other Paramilitary Forces have also been selected. Although there is 6% quota reserved for such personnel but the State Government should divert this quota to other departments for their absorption. Their selection against teacher posts in Education Department should be avoided as they have had served their 20-25 years of service within the four walls and have expertise in arms and ammunition only. No doubt they undergo for education courses in Forces but this doesnot cater to the standard of teaching in schools. They cannot provide quality education as compared to other teachers. Having little education background and teaching experience they get selected against reserved quota but cannot deliver best to the students.  Having language and pronunciation problems, they can be adjusted in other departments to serve the society with grace.
Juxtaposing both the categories, one can say that if the government thinks to hold screening test for ReTs teachers then what about such Ex. Service men candidates. Can the Ex Men teachers pass this test? Can they teach well as compared to ReT or GL Teachers? Are they more competent? So Government can take a good step to ensure the sanctity and self respect of all the teachers, whether he/she is ReT or GL teacher.
As far as verification of Qualification Degrees of teachers is concerned, it can be ensured for both the ReT as well as GL teachers as there are black sheep everywhere in society. The degrees can be verified confidentially and not let it become a public debate. That will be in interest of public and students in large.
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