In a statement issued by AIFETO National Secretary and senior leader of the Thamizhaga Asiriyar Koottani, V. Annamalai, he questioned: Is Dharmendra Pradhan really the Union Education Minister, or is he a “Minister of Disputes” always raising disputes between the Union Government and State Governments? He seems to be an Education Minister who doesn’t have any genuine interest in the well-being of the students.
In Chennai, the “Dakshina Bharat Summit” was conducted for two days at the IIT-Madras campus under the dual auspices of IIT-Madras and the student group “Think India.” On the 21st, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended the event and afterwards addressed the media.
At that time, it is said that he mentioned that the Tamil Nadu education funds would be released only if the state agreed to the Union Government’s pact.
He further said, “In terms of education funding, Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh and DMK MP Kanimozhi met me. I clarified to them that they have to accept the Union Government’s agreement. Only then will the Union Government offer funding under the Samagra Shiksha scheme.”.
The Tamil Nadu Government is politicising the three-language policy. The state will not dictate its political views to the education of students. The goal of the National Education Policy (NEP) is that besides the mother tongue, students may study any two languages.
We are not proposing that students learn a third language. Any language is not imposed by the Union Government in any state. NEP only promotes learning a third language. Politics must not be entered into the three-language policy. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has even stated that students must learn ten languages.
It is being raised by only people with very limited political outlook. I am an Odia speaker. My language is my love, and I respect other languages also. Those who attempted to bifurcate society on the basis of language are unsuccessful. Society has expanded beyond that.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has stated that students can even learn ten languages. Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has also averred that students can study all 22 official languages that have been recognised in the Constitution, and that there is no objection to this.
But Tamil Nadu’s political parties have on a consensus basis, following the assurance made by Perarignar Anna, decided that the two-language system alone would be adopted Mother Tongue Tamil and English as the link language will suffice.
On September 1, the Supreme Court ruled that passing the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is mandatory for teachers in service as well as for promotions. Those who do not qualify must either be removed from service or resign on their own. Teachers are still reeling from the shock of this verdict.
Nationwide, over 50 lakh educators involved in teaching are now apprehensive about their means of living. It is certain that this condition occurred because of the education policy under the jurisdiction of the Union Education Minister and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
Staunchly opposing the anti-teacher policies of the Union Government and the NCTE education policy, the All India Federation of Elementary Teachers Organisations (AIFETO) and 28 state-level teachers’ movements have resolved to stage a protest rally at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. A sizeable contingent of Tamil Nadu teachers will also take part in the protest.
When the Right to Education Act (RTE) was implemented in 2009, TET was not mentioned anywhere. Teachers who were recruited prior to 23.08.2010 with proper educational credentials and through the Tamil Nadu Teacher Recruitment Board did not need TET certification. This was reaffirmed by the NCTE itself. Hence, we insist that the Union Education Ministry should present a review petition to the Supreme Court.
Recently, a case was lodged against 252 directly appointed judges as Munsiff-Magistrates after clearing the judicial exam. The case was that when experienced lawyers are present, these direct appointments need to be revoked. The Supreme Court, however, held that these appointments cannot be changed. The Chief Justice also mentioned that from now on, every candidate who is appearing for the judicial service exam should have a minimum experience of three years as a lawyer. So Justice for Judges, but Injustice to Teachers?
The entire country is aware that Presidents, Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, UN representatives, IAS – IPS officials, judges, and rulers all learned from teachers who never needed to clear TET.
Is the TET made compulsory only for the reappointment of existing teachers, as well as for initial appointments? The NCTE’s policy choices in the realm of education need to be revised. The Union Education Ministry needs to present a new policy choice to the Supreme Court. The Union Education Ministry needs to drop its language-imposing policies completely.
If things go on like this, not only teachers but the citizens of this country will issue their judgment in future State Assembly and Parliamentary elections. Give us an opportunity for reconsideration!” — declared Annamalai in his press release.
Contact AIFETO Mr. Annamalai @ 94442 12060 / 9962222314. annamalaiaifeto@gmail.com
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