NEW DELHI: Joined together in opposition to the latest Supreme Court judgment on the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), All India Federation of Elementary Teachers’ Organisations (AIFETO) conducted a virtual national-level meeting on September 18, 2025. The meeting saw state-level representatives coming together to decide on the next course of action.
Main Points of the Meeting:
The meeting, presided over by AIFETO National President Comrade Prabhakar G. Arde, dealt with the wide-ranging implications of the Supreme Court judgment. National General Secretary Comrade Sudhakar Sawant presented the proposed solutions.
Country-wide Effect: National Secretary Comrade V. Annamalai pointed out that the Supreme Court ruling impacts not only Tamil Nadu, but about 50 lakh teachers in all 28 states in the country. He stressed the fundamental difference between “law” and “justice,” and noted that they do not necessarily go hand in hand.
The NCTE Stance: The NCTE notification categorically says that teachers who were appointed prior to August 23, 2010, need not appear for the TET exam. Comrade Annamalai pointed out that the Andhra Pradesh government has already adhered to this principle by exempting teachers who were appointed prior to this date.
State-Level Responses:
- Tamil Nadu’s government has promised to safeguard 2.25 lakh teachers and has submitted a review petition in the Supreme Court.
- Maharashtra expressed their decision to file review petition for exemption.
- States ruled by BJP such as Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, as well as Jharkhand and Kerala, also made a decision to file review petitions.
Legal Approach: Comrade V. Annamalai further added that the Thamizhaga Asiriyar Koottani and other unions are looking to file a plea in the Chennai High Court to request an extension for the TET exam and a stay on promotions until the issue is settled. The unions are also looking at a joint legal approach in the Supreme Court.
The Call to Action: Addressing his closing remarks, AIFETO National President Prabhakar G. Arde appreciated Comrade V. Annamalai for being the first to pen a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan regarding the matter.
A Unified Front for Teachers’ Rights
The conference ended with an agreement to organise a huge country-wide protest at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on November 14th. This “All-India Dharna Protest” will unite different teachers’ unions to pressurise the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to revoke its move to introduce TET for all in-service teachers compulsorily. The unions will also put up a resolution before the Prime Minister and the Union Education Minister.
One of the main resolutions adopted at the meeting was a call to the Central government to act and file a review petition in the Supreme Court in the interest of all teachers. The attendees decided to apply pressure on their respective state governments to push for this initiative.
The session witnessed active participation from delegates from 17 states, and a message of solidarity was received from five more states that could not make it. State President A. Ezhilarasan and General Secretary A. Vincent Paulraj represented the Thamizhaga Asiriyar Koottani.
Contact AIFETO Mr. Annamalai @ 94442 12060 / 9962222314. annamalaiaifeto@gmail.com
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