Forto Advocates for TET Exemption for Long-Serving In-Service Teachers

The Forum of Registered Teacher Organisations (Forto) has initiated a statewide campaign, demanding a Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) exemption for current in-service educators. On Monday, members of the organization held round-table conferences at various district headquarters and conducted protests within school premises to emphasize their collective demand.

During these demonstrations, educators displayed placards and voiced their concerns to both Central and State authorities. Representing the organization, key figures including state chairman Karanam Harikrishna, secretary general Ankala Kondaiah, working president Dr B. Seenu, and working general secretary Maganti Srinivasa Rao were present to lead the discussions and advocate for policy adjustments.

The Rationale Behind the TET Exemption Demand

Forto leaders argued that mandating the Teacher Eligibility Test for those already established in their teaching careers is unjust. They highlighted that such stringent qualifying requirements were not imposed on employees working in other government departments, creating a disparity that teachers find difficult to accept. For professionals who have dedicated between 20 to 30 years to the education sector, this sudden policy shift is viewed as an undermining of their professional experience and dignity.

The organization emphasized that these experienced teachers have already contributed significantly to the academic growth of the nation. Forcing them to sit for a qualifying examination at this stage in their careers does not align with the practical realities of their long-standing service records. The members feel that the current mandate overlooks the vast pedagogical expertise they have accumulated over decades of classroom teaching.

Policy Advocacy and Future Steps

The Forum of Registered Teacher Organisations has formally requested that the Central government consider an amendment to the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Their primary goal is to secure a comprehensive TET exemption specifically for in-service teachers. Furthermore, the group has appealed to the State government to actively lobby the Centre to achieve a positive resolution that respects the tenure and expertise of veteran educators.

By organizing these protests and round-table discussions, Forto hopes to bring national and regional attention to this issue. The teachers involved are seeking a policy framework that acknowledges their years of commitment to the education system without imposing redundant examination requirements that threaten their job stability and professional status.