On Thursday(27th June), The Supreme Court upheld the competency test for Bihar’s local body teachers to improve rural school education quality, emphasizing teachers’ role in nation-building. Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized prioritizing children’s education and suggested teachers either comply with the test or resign.
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NEW DELHI: On Thursday(27th June), The Supreme Court of India emphasized the importance of upgrading teachers’ skills to enhance the quality of education, especially in rural areas. The court refused to entertain a petition filed by local body teachers in Bihar who opposed a competency test designed to improve educational standards in the state’s rural schools.
A vacation bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan firmly stated-
“We prioritize children’s education in India, especially in Bihar. Teachers unwilling to comply should resign, while those committed to serving students should take the competency examination.”
The bench underscored the state’s efforts to ensure that children receive quality education, highlighting the necessity for teachers to upgrade their skills continuously.
Background of the Petition
The petition was brought forth by two groups of teachers – Parivartankari Prarambhik Shikshak Sangh and Bihar Rajya Prarambhik Shikshak Sangh – who are employed in Panchayat-run schools. They challenged the Bihar School Exclusive Teachers Rules, 2023, which mandated a competency exam for teachers. The teachers argued that they had already demonstrated their competence when their services were regularized under the Bihar Panchayat Teachers Rules, 2012.
According to the Bihar government, the competency test is optional, and no punitive action will be taken against those who opt not to take the exam. However, teachers who pass the test would be elevated to the same level as state government teachers.
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The court, while dismissing the petitions, remarked-
“Teachers play a crucial role in nation-building. In Bihar, if the government is striving to enhance teacher quality and you resist, consider stepping aside if you cannot meet these standards.”
The court was informed by the teachers’ lawyers that the concerned teachers, referred to as Niyojit teachers, had already proven their competency through an examination when their roles were formalized under the Bihar Panchayat Teachers Rules, 2012. Originally, these teachers were appointed under the Bihar Panchayat Primary Teacher (Appointment and Service Conditions) Rules, 2006. Some of the Niyojit teachers were initially Shiksha Mitras, appointed before 2006 and later absorbed under the Primary Teachers Rules, 2006.
The Supreme Court has upheld the competency test for Niyojit teachers in Bihar. This ruling comes in the wake of a challenge by the teachers, who have been receiving regular pay scales and increments, against the necessity of undergoing another competency test. The teachers contended that having already demonstrated their competence, subjecting them to another test would be redundant and discriminatory, creating two classes of teachers.
However, the Supreme Court bench dismissed these arguments, emphasizing the nobility of the teaching profession.
The bench remarked-
“Teaching is a noble profession. If you prioritize only salary and promotion over improving skills, consider the larger context of unemployment. Embrace the need for skill enhancement or choose to resign and move on.”
The court also highlighted the dismal state of education, especially in rural areas, by stating-
“Consider the state of education in our rural schools and across the country. Even postgraduates struggle with basic tasks like writing a leave letter. When the state takes steps to improve competency, it’s challenged in court. Not everyone can afford private or international education.”
In 2023, the Patna High Court had upheld its judgment, supporting the competency test as a means to bring Niyojit teachers on par with existing state government teachers, with the only requirement being to pass the test.
The high court noted that –
“The test was introduced to encourage teachers to pursue ongoing education and reach a standard equivalent to newly recruited teachers under the State School Teachers Rules 2023.”
The state had defended its policy change before the high court, arguing that it was essential to ensure the quality of teaching and, consequently, the quality of education in the state. The policy aimed to protect the livelihood of teachers while also demanding an upgrade in their skills. The state’s argument was that maintaining quality education necessitated such measures.
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The Supreme Court concurred with the high court’s findings, reiterating the importance of updating teachers’ skills.
“The objective of these Rules is to update teachers. Despite their high salaries, many remain stagnant. Any state rule that mandates skill upgrading for teachers is beneficial.”
-the apex court said.