Give Exam Or Leave Job: Supreme Court Rejects Petition from 85,000 Bihar Teachers Over Competency Test

New Delhi/Patna: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed the petition filed by Bihar’s primary teachers’ unions, seeking the cancellation of the competency test mandated by the state government. This decision marks another setback for the 85,000 employed teachers in Bihar, who had previously faced a similar rejection from the Patna High Court.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court firmly stated that teachers must adhere to government rules and take the competency test. The court emphasized that those unwilling to take the exam should consider leaving their jobs.

The Bihar Primary Teachers’ Union and the Transformational Primary Teachers’ Union had challenged the Bihar government’s decision to conduct the competency test as a prerequisite for making the employed teachers permanent. The Supreme Court, while hearing the petition, underscored the critical role of teachers in nation-building and stressed the importance of continuous skill improvement.

Rejecting the teachers’ unions’ petition, the court stated, “If the government is taking steps to improve the quality of education and the skills of teachers, such initiatives should be supported. If you cannot face such examinations, then you should leave the job. Teaching is a noble profession, but it appears that some are only interested in salary and promotions. Many people in the country are unemployed, and here, you refuse to develop your skills. Take this seriously or resign.”

The contractual teachers argued that they had already undergone an examination under the Panchayat Teacher Rules 2012, which led to their permanent status. They questioned the necessity of another test. These teachers were initially appointed under the Bihar Panchayat Primary Teacher Service Rules 2006, with many having served as Shiksha Mitras before becoming contractual teachers.

The government has clarified that teachers who pass the competency test will be granted the status of state employees. However, those who do not wish to take the test will not be removed from their positions. This clarification came after the teachers had initially challenged the government’s decision in the Patna High Court, which dismissed their petition. Following this, the teachers’ unions approached the Supreme Court, only to face another rejection.