Taha Mubashir
J&K government decision to conduct the screening test of ReT’s has created distractions among this teaching community and the society right from the day of its announcement. Citing the reason of a high court judgement in this regard, government has certainly augmented a psychological pressure which in result will have long term implications as this fraternity is feeling insulted and disgraced.
Although, high court in a decision after an applicant for ReT post was proved to have acquired fraud qualification certificates, state government was ordered to scrutinise the qualification certificates of ReT’s and conduct the screening test of ReT candidates, henceforth. Well, this was a landmark decision with far reaching consequences. But the state government came out with a harsh attitude to conduct the screening test of already appointed ReT’s which seems to have no logic as the onus falls on the system.
It is the government which paved way for the onslaught of education sector particularly and the whole system in general in J&K due to political reasons from past to present. It has been a regular practice of the successive regimes in J&K to absorb their paramours in government establishments violating rules and regulations, the fact nobody can deny. There are countless persons in the establishment having fraudulent character amid their cheating behavior (courtesy: Reservation Act) which needed to be addressed but the axe falls only on ReT’s, a soft target chased to attack, rather than “out of box” schemes implemented providing double salaries than that of a ReT.
One fails to understand why the High Court orders are not strictly implemented in favour of polythene ban, constructions on agricultural lands, conservation of Wullar and Dal lakes concerning the ecology of Kashmir besides many other matters (no need to mention here), but the screening test of ReT’s is highlighted with a desperate notion. Why the disparity in the High Court Orders here? Certainly, the denail of including five years rendered service in ReT’s service record tantamount keep them begging for their salaries. No doubt, a teacher must be appointed after a comprehensive eligibility test but there are no signs of these tests in the education department including lecturers in past up to now.
If the teachers eligibility test (TET) is a must, then begin with all the teachers including lecturers, why only a selective group? By testing the presently serving teachers will severely impact the education system with far reaching consequences. Let’s presume for a while somebody in service teacher not qualifying the test, what will be the message? Certainly, shame and disgrace to the establishment first then to others and the parents will think hundred times before admitting their wards in government schools having such an unqualified and inefficient teachers. Is not the government providing space here, to avoid the schooling from the government schools and boost the private school mafia. Yes definitely, this will not only prove disastrous for the education sector but to teachers also with disgrace and humiliation in the society besides their mental depression.
They will be unable to deliver seriously in schools due to blots on their image, with a difference on good schooling. They are being treated slantingly in the society now and what will be their future then? They are the humans after all, they do have hearts which bleed with extra pain due to undue and abusive remarks off and on. No doubt, there may have been irregularities and faults in appointing under qualified ReT’s and fake degrees holders, but who is responsible? Of course, it is the system only nobody else and weighing all with same scale is unjustified. Begin with higher institutions of the establishment to eradicate this menace rather than victimising ReT’s. To its misfortune, education set up always has been severely hit by the political compulsions and recompenses, the price we have been paying heavily since past upto now which this unfortunate nation cannot afford more.
Grafting the flaws skilfully besides overhauling whole system needs statesmanship not autocratic mindset by making noble ReT’s a scapegoat, which the bureaucratic setup will never allow to happen. Efforts to put the rotten education sector on right track are highly laudable. However, in this backdrop the strategy should be like as of a suffocating patient needs oxygen to survive not necropsy likewise the ailing education sector needed oxygen to overcome the suffocation not necropsy.
A grave concern is the engagement of a teacher for MDM preparation, BLO, Census enumerator, a scrivener for filling up the scholarship forms and election official. Relieve the teachers from this extra burden and boost their morale and dignity. Detach these intoxicated schemes/ exercises especially MDM so as to eliminate the biggest pillar of corruption from once called a sacred and pious institution, then hope for the best. Male and female teachers are required to be made equally accountable for better results.
One has to think hundred times over these issues before admitting there wards in government schools. Although, the Teachers are accountable but the Parents too, should be made accountable for their sincere cooperation in academic progress of their wards through legislation. Instead of MDM preparations at school the said amount should be credited directly into the bank account of a student. Engage the “Anganwari Centers” of respective catchments for preparing Pre-primary Classes and then admit them in government schools in1st primary of the same catchment.
Simplify the curriculum which is above the standard of an average student, especially books should comprise of basic concept with plenty of drill. A simple to complex curriculum should be adopted rather than complex to simple. Hence, to bring the able students vigorously to fore with their learning capabilities, CCE scheme is needed to be revised so as to compete the challenging educational scenario in future.
Therefore, resolving these issues with sincere efforts will be a real gift for this politically exploited and subjugated nation rather than teasing the ReT teachers for one pretext or other. Obtrusive roots unseen in the establishment are not easy to coop, hence, the interior blotches need to be brushed with utmost care and willpower. Teaching, in fact, is the legacy of prophets and its chastity is needed to be preserved with full glory and honour by all of us. Let’s introspect.
Author is a Teacher on JK Education Department
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