Shillong, Dec 16: In a major relief for thousands of teachers in the State, Meghalaya’s Education Minister, Rakkam A. Sangma, has cleared the air of confusion on MTET, informing that the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET) will be mandatory only for new appointees, and not for teachers already in service.

His statement brings much-needed clarity for existing teachers, especially those under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), who had raised concerns over the applicability of the MTET.

Addressing the issue on Monday, Sangma stated, “Since these teachers are already appointed, the question doesn’t arise. To continue in the present position, the question doesn’t arise (to have MTET), but for new appointments, MTET is mandatory. For new appointments, it’s a different story, if I am not wrong. I don’t think those who are already appointed need MTET to continue.”

The clarification follows demands from the Meghalaya SSA Schools Association (MSSASA) for an exemption from MTET for SSA teachers appointed on or before July 1, 2020. The Education Minister’s remarks indicate that the eligibility test will not be a requirement for those already in service, bringing relief to many SSA teachers.

However, Sangma also stressed the importance of following the Ministry of Education’s guidelines and adhering to the norms set by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). “It is a ministry guideline, the decision of the Government of India. NCTE norms are there, so it is to be abided by the Ministry of Education. All teachers teaching in schools should have the required qualification,” he stated.

On the demand for the formation of an empowered committee to address the job security and policy development for SSA teachers, Sangma suggested that it may not be necessary. He pointed to the existing State Education Commission, which is already addressing issues related to SSA teachers, government schools, colleges, and universities.

“Any committee doesn’t matter because we already have the State Education Commission. The Meghalaya State Education Commission is already looking into all these aspects, be it SSA, government issues, colleges, or universities. You talk about high-powered or empowered committees—we already have the State Education Commission, and they are giving recommendations to the government on how to move forward,” Sangma said.

When asked about the timeline for the Commission’s recommendations, particularly on the issues concerning SSA teachers, Sangma acknowledged that financial constraints could pose a challenge. “They are compiling the reports, and we don’t know how long they will take. We know the issues, and funding will be a challenge for the state. That is something that has to be decided by the state government as a whole because the financial burden is something that is debatable,” he noted.

Also Read: Mowkaiaw MLA calls for return of 36 villages in Block 1 to Meghalaya

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