Supreme Court Criticises Bihar Teachers’ Request to ‘Skip Test’

The Supreme Court of India on Friday strongly criticised panchayat teachers from Bihar government schools for seeking an exemption from a competency test mandated by the state government in 2023. The criticism came during a petition filed by Parivartankari Prarambhik Sikshak Sangh, a non-profit organization, which was dismissed by the court.

Key Points:

1. State Law and Examination:
   • Bihar’s state law under Article 309 of the Constitution required panchayat and local body teachers to take a competency test.
   • The test, a computer-based exam conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board, aimed to ensure teacher quality.
2. Supreme Court’s Stand:
   • Justice BV Nagarathna upheld the Patna High Court’s decision supporting the state law.
   • The court expressed disappointment at the low educational standards and stressed the importance of qualified teachers in nation-building.
   • Teachers unable to pass the competency tests were advised to resign.
3. Context and Reactions:
   • Approximately four lakh panchayat teachers were affected by this decision.
   • The state Education Department’s rules, introduced in 2023, aligned panchayat teachers with school teachers under the Bihar State School Teachers Rules.
   • The teachers’ petition against the high court decision was dismissed, affirming the need for eligibility tests.

The Supreme Court’s decision highlights the emphasis on maintaining educational standards and the necessity for teachers to demonstrate competency through standardized testing.