'Resign If You Cannot Face': Supreme Court To Teachers Seeking Exception From Bihar Competency Test
Refusing to entertain a petition filed by the local body teachers opposing a skill test introduced by the Bihar government for enhancing quality of education, the Supreme Court today asked the teachers to resign from the post if they are not ready to comply with the rules.
While hearing the case, Justice BV Nagarathna admonished the petitioners expressing wonder at the level of education in the country. “A postgraduate who gets a job and cannot even write an application for leave? When a state like Bihar tries to improve this system and conducts a qualifying examination for this, it is opposed,” the judge said, adding that “if you can’t face these (competency) tests, then you should resign.”
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The petition was filed by Parivartankari Prarambhik Shikshak Sangh and Bihar Rajya Prarambhik Shikshak Sangh, two groups of teachers working with Panchayat-operated schools in Bihar. They challenged the Bihar School Exclusive Teachers Rules, which was introduced by the state Education Department, using powers under Article 309 of the Constitution in 2023.
The rule made it mandatory for teachers employed by panchayats and local bodies to appear for a qualifying examination – a computer-based one conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board if they want to continue to work.
Upholding the law introduced by the state, the Court slammed the teachers for thinking about skipping competency tests, noting that teachers help build the nation and should be open to upgrading their skills or be willing to leave their jobs.
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Notably, the Patna High Court had earlier rejected the teachers’ petition with a similar demand. While hearing the case, the High Court in April clarified that there was no provision in the rules suggesting the removal of those who failed to clear the competency tests. The Court had further stated that those who qualify for the exam would have better work conditions and it would also be a recognition for them. The court asserted that teachers would not lose their jobs if they failed to clear the test.
