SRINAGAR, FEB 25: Education Minister Sakina Itoo today poured cold water on rumors of an immediate Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) rollout in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing there’s “no fresh government order” and no urgency to enforce the Supreme Court-mandated exam right now.
Speaking candidly to reporters, Itoo explained the government is taking a measured approach—studying how other states and UTs are implementing the SC’s directive before jumping in. “We’ve got the case file and are examining patterns, mechanisms, and real-world impacts elsewhere,” she said, noting the court has given a two-year window that J&K plans to use wisely.
She traced the idea back to late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s era when Naeem Akhtar kicked off the RET framework, but cautioned against hasty moves. “Many of our teachers have given 25-35 years of service, educating generations now thriving as doctors, engineers, IAS, KAS officers, and professors. We can’t upend their lives without weighing ground realities.”
Itoo debunked social media hype about a supposed new order: “No such thing exists—no immediate enforcement.” She assured that if and when TET rolls out nationally with further SC guidance, J&K will review and act thoughtfully, protecting veteran educators while aligning with national standards.
The clarification comes amid teacher anxiety over potential job risks, backlog woes, and judge shortages flagged in NCERT texts—issues the UT is navigating carefully to balance reform with fairness.
