Saqib Rather
Srinagar, Feb 25: The government of Jammu and Kashmir has ruled out any immediate implementation of the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET), with Education Minister Sakina Itoo clarifying that no official order has been issued in this regard.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Itoo said the administration is currently studying how the policy is being implemented in other regions before taking a final decision.
“No order has been issued by the government regarding TET in Jammu and Kashmir. We are examining the entire matter carefully,” she said.
Referring to directions of the Supreme Court of India, the minister noted that while the court has emphasized eligibility standards for teachers, it has also allowed time for compliance.
“The Supreme Court has given a time window. There is no immediate urgency for enforcement in J&K,” Itoo stated.
She added that the government is reviewing the framework and practical challenges associated with such examinations before moving forward.
“We want to understand how it is being implemented in other states and Union Territories—the pattern, mechanism, and its implications—before taking any step,” she said.
Highlighting the human aspect of the issue, Itoo stressed that many teachers in the Union Territory have decades of service and experience.
“There are teachers who have served for 25 to 35 years and have educated generations of students. Any decision affecting them must be taken with due care,” she remarked.
The Minister also recalled earlier efforts toward teacher eligibility reforms during the tenure of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, with initiatives carried forward by former Education Minister Naeem Akhtar.
Dismissing rumors circulating on social media, Itoo urged people not to be misled by unverified claims. “There is confusion being created, but let me make it clear—no such order has been issued for immediate implementation,” she said.
She reiterated that the government will take a considered decision only when there is clarity on nationwide implementation. “Whenever it is uniformly enforced across the country and further directions are received, we will review the matter. As of now, there is no immediate move,” she added.
For now, the administration continues to adopt a cautious approach, focusing on evaluation rather than immediate action.
