Nagaland Teachers Fight Mandatory Eligibility Test Requirements

Kohima: Nagaland teachers are pushing back against the state’s mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test. Two major unions, the All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA) and the All-Nagaland Government Primary Teachers’ Association (ANGPTA), issued formal demands to the government this week. They want clear exemptions for veterans with decades of service.

The unions argue that forcing experienced educators to meet new, retrospective standards is unfair. Many of these teachers have served for 15, 20, or 25 years. They were hired under different rules and previously received government exemptions from professional training like D.El.Ed. They shouldn't be penalized now. ANSTA points to a 2017 Directorate of School Education order that already protected those hired before September 3, 2001.

ANSTA remains firm on the principle of fairness. "The ANSTA believes that a teacher should not be made a victim of the changing rules of the system after having faithfully served under the rules that existed when he or she entered service," the group stated. They cited a recent Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly resolution that sought similar protections for teachers hired before 2010.

ANGPTA also flagged specific hurdles for the upcoming exam. They want the pass percentage lowered from 55% to 45% to match current hiring standards. The union also asked officials to accept final marksheets instead of waiting for formal certificates, especially for the 2014-16 NIOS D.El.Ed batch. Furthermore, they demanded that academic standards from the time of hiring, often 33%, should not be retroactively raised to 45% for exam eligibility.

Logistics remain a major concern. Teachers in remote districts face long travel times. The union requested at least one testing center per district to keep schools running. They also warned against scheduling tests on the same days as school exams, which could leave classrooms empty. The unions want a committee formed to review appointment orders and ensure that long-term staff retain their salaries, promotions, and pension rights.