Gonda: Hundreds of teachers under the banner of the United Teachers Association (UTA) staged a torch march in Gonda on Tuesday to protest against the mandatory requirement of the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for teachers who were appointed before the implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act.
The march was led by UTA district president Ravi Prakash Singh. A large number of teachers gathered at Gandhi Park and proceeded in a torch procession towards Ambedkar Chauraha, raising slogans demanding withdrawal of the rule and exemption for teachers appointed before the RTE Act came into force.
During the protest, speakers expressed concern that experienced teachers who have been serving the education system for many years are now being required to clear an eligibility test. Addressing the gathering, Ravi Prakash Singh said that experience has no substitute and that the dedication of teachers over the years should be recognised.
UTA district patron Hemant Tiwari said many teachers have spent the past decade or more strengthening the foundation of basic education even in difficult circumstances, and assessing their competence through a single eligibility exam is not justified. UTA general secretary Atreya Mishra added that implementing new rules during service contradicts principles of fairness and justice.
Several social and educational figures also expressed support for the teachers’ demands. Among them were Arun Singh, Avinash Singh and Dr. Ajay Pathak.
A large number of UTA office bearers and teachers from different blocks of the district participated in the march. According to UTA district media in-charge Arun Mishra, the protest concluded at Ambedkar Chauraha after speeches by organisation leaders and supporters. Teachers reiterated their demand that those appointed before the RTE Act should be exempted from the TET requirement.
