Srinagar, May 30: The Supreme Court has dismissed a batch of review petitions challenging its earlier verdict making the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory for in-service teachers, but granted additional time till August 31, 2028 for acquiring the qualification.
A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan upheld its earlier judgment in Anjuman Ishaat-e-Taleem Trust vs State of Maharashtra, ruling that qualifying the TET was a mandatory eligibility condition for continuation in service as well as for promotions.
However, taking note of practical difficulties faced by thousands of teachers across the country, the apex court extended the compliance period from two years to three years by exercising powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
“The qualification has to be obtained by 31st August, 2028 instead of 31st August, 2027, as originally directed,” the court said.
The judgment came while deciding a large batch of review petitions filed by various states, teachers’ associations and individual teachers who had challenged the court’s earlier ruling requiring in-service teachers recruited before the enactment of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 to qualify the TET.
The petitioners had argued that the RTE Act and subsequent amendments could not be applied retrospectively to teachers who were appointed before TET was introduced as an essential qualification.
They contended that teachers had been recruited under prevailing service rules at the relevant time and imposing TET midway through their careers amounted to changing service conditions retrospectively.
Rejecting the arguments, the Supreme Court held that the statutory framework under the RTE Act clearly intended in-service teachers also to acquire prescribed minimum qualifications within a stipulated timeframe.
The court observed that the law neither invalidated past appointments nor imposed immediate disqualification, but instead provided sufficient time for teachers to comply with qualification requirements.
“Service of teachers cannot come at the cost of educational future of the children,” the court observed, while emphasising that the RTE Act was a child-centric legislation aimed at ensuring quality education.
The bench noted that teachers had already received more than 15 years since the implementation of the RTE Act to acquire the TET qualification and said the additional three-year window granted now should be treated as final.
“We make it abundantly clear that no further prayer for extension of time shall be entertained,” the court said.
At the same time, the apex court acknowledged concerns raised by states that disqualification of large numbers of teachers within a short period could adversely affect school functioning and disrupt children’s education.
To address the issue, the court directed states and competent authorities to conduct TET examinations periodically and preferably twice every year with an interval of around six months between examinations.
The judgment is expected to impact thousands of in-service teachers across various states who are yet to clear the Teacher Eligibility Test despite continuing in service for years.
The court also reiterated that a review petition could not be treated as “an appeal in disguise” unless there was a clear error apparent on the face of the record.
“With the aforesaid modification of the order under review, all the petitions stand dismissed,” the bench ruled.
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. “Hundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,” said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the faculty’s demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. “We are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,” he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. “The irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,” he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for “equal work, equal pay” gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. “Promises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,” he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. “This issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Jammu, Jan 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma Sunday said that the remarkable achievements of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth are a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through fair opportunities, modern infrastructure and unwavering government support. Addressing the gathering during the SRIJAN initiative conference, the Minister stated that the success of young athletes clearly demonstrates that with the right ecosystem in place, the UT youth are capable of overcoming every challenge and competing confidently at national and international platforms. Highlighting the core focus areas of the SRIJAN programme, Satish Sharma said "the initiative is playing a transformative role in strengthening the sports landscape of the Union Territory by expanding grassroots sports infrastructure across Jammu, Kashmir and other regions. This is being done by ensuring transparent, merit-based selections free from any bias; integrating sports with education and skill development; promoting greater participation of girls and enhancing inclusivity and establishing sports as a dignified and sustainable career option with viable livelihood opportunities, he said0. He reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment and said that sustained efforts were underway to create international-standard sports facilities, including modern cricket stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar. He also highlighted the strengthening of Khelo India Centres, promotion of traditional sports such as Dangal and enhanced collaboration with the Union Ministry to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a national sports hub. “As Sports Minister, I assure our athletes that the government stands firmly with them. Our focus is not only on infrastructure creation but also on nurturing talent, discipline and confidence among the youth,” he said. The Minister lauded the determination, resilience and dedication of young sportspersons, describing them as the living legacy of the SRIJAN mission. He urged them to continue training with passion, remain disciplined and dream fearlessly, assuring them of full institutional support at every step of their journey. Satish Sharma expressed hope that the conference would serve as the foundation of a new era where every talented child, from the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, is provided an equal opportunity to shine on the global stage. He concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to make sports a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion and regional pride in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta and prominent persons from different fields and states along with senior officers of the Youth Services and Sports Department, were also present on the occasion.
Arshid Ahmad Malikmalik121arshid@gmail.comThe serene valley of Pahalgam known for its breathtaking landscapes,was shaken to its core by a brutal and inhuman attack that claimed innocent lives and left the nation in shock.On 22 April 2025 afternoon,a group of terrorists in Pahalgam,J&K leaving 26 tourists dead and many more injured.The attack was widely condemned by people across the country with many leaders and citizens expressing their outrage and grief.Even just after the attack the people from every nook and corner of Kashmir mourned and strongly condemned this brutal and inhuman act and we saw candlelight protests from different places of Kashmir in solidarity with the victim families who lost their loved ones in this Coward Act.Besides, we saw some heartwarming stories of Kashmiris helping tourists during this horrific attack.Some Kashmiri Youth took the initiative to help tourists, providing them with medical care and transportation to safe areas.Their actions showed that even in times of crisis,there are individuals who prioritize humanity over adversity.Likewise, Aadil Hussain Shah a pony rider and a sole breadwinner in his home lost his life while attempting to protect tourists by tackling gun men.Another example of bravery was demonstrated by a Kashmiri shawl vendor, Sajad Ahmad Bhat who risked his life to help injured tourists.He carried some to safety on his back and provided water to those in need.Moreover,taxi drivers and hotel owners offered free rides and services to tourists, guiding them to safety.These acts highlights Kashmiri community's commitment to humanity, hospitality and unity even in the face of adversity.These acts of kindness serve as a powerful counter-narrative to the misconception that Kashmiris support to condone violence.Instead, they highlight the community's resilience, empathy and dedication to peace.In the aftermath of this excruciating attack, certain media outlets of our nation,often referred to as "Godi Media" left no stone unturned to sensationalize the stories to grab the attention.They often spread misinformation and promote biased narratives leading to polarization and erosion of trust in the media.In the wake of this attack "Godi Media" claimed that the terrorists selectively targeted Hindus after checking their names.However,the list of victims revealed that 15 out of 26 killed were Muslims, debunking this false narrative.By spreading this unverified claims,these TV Channels aimed to fuel communal tensions and polarization, which could lead to further violence and hatred.This behaviour aligns with a disturbing trend where sections of the media amplify divisive narratives to serve political agendas.Although the tourists who were here and witnessed this attack themselves praised local Kashmiris for their heroic approach in helping them to save their lives.Moreover, the tourists in different parts of the valley are claiming that they are safe and secure.They wanted to convey the message to other parts of India that there is nothing like that which godi media is trying to show through different news channels.They are just spreading misinformation leading to communal violence in the nation.On the next day of this attack,one of the TV Channel of godi media, ABP news anchor Chitra Tripathi faced protests at Ghantaghar Lal chowk after locals said that she was trying to spread fake news about the attack.The protestors including tourism groups,lawyers and civil society members criticized the media particularly for its emphasis on communal issues rather than holding the government accountable.The protests saw slogans condemning terrorism and advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity.The protestors also expressed frustration over the media's selective reporting and the censorship of local voices.From common people to the leaders of the Government in Kashmir, everyone slammed "Godi Media" and hold their anchors responsible for communal disharmony in the nation.With their biased and inflammatory coverage, Kashmiris living across India especially students have been heckled,harrased and faced threats by far-right Hindu groups or even their classmates.From Uttarakhand, Punjab, to Uttar Pradesh, landlords are pushing Kashmiri tenants out; and shopkeepers are refusing to trade with them.Several Kashmiri students are sleeping at airports as they try to make their way home.However,It's essential to hold such media outlets accountable for their actions and promote responsible journalism that prioritizes fact-checking, balance, and accuracy.By doing so, we can work towards creating a more informed and compassionate society where communal harmony and peace are valued.The author has done masters in Political Science from University of Kashmir and is currently a Socio-Political Activist and Chairperson of Liberal Youth Club Soibugh.
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the result of class 10th and 12th examination on January 14 of, 2026 (Wednesday), minister for education Sakina Itoo said on Monday. Minister for education Sakina Itoo said the government has decided to declare the result of both the classes-10th and 12th on the same day. "We understand that students have been waiting for the results. So we decided that result of both the classes will be declared on Wednesday (January 16 of 2926)," Sakina Itoo said. She said the meeting of the Result Declaration Committee (RDC) will be convened by the Secretary JKBOE along with the members-Director School Education (DSE) Kashmir and Jammu division besides the joint secretaries as well. "We will give the administrative approval to the result instead of getting approved by the chairman," she said. The announcement comes amid the delay in appointment of chairman JKBOSE as the position is lying vacant for the last one year. "After declaration of the results, we will also appoint the permanent chairman for JKBOSE as well," education minister said. An official from JKBOSE said the class 1oth result will be declared on Wednesday morning followed by the declaration of result of class 12th students in late afternoon on the same day. As per the official figures, 94783 students- 68804 from Kashmir and 25,224 students from winter zone areas of Jammu division besides 660 students from Kargil and 95 from Leh district registered for the class 10th JKBOSE examination this year. Also, the examination for class 11th and 12th students was scheduled from November 19 and November 8 of 2025 respectively. Approximately, 81622 students – 64001 from Jammu and 17621 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 11th examination while 70117 students—56423 from Kashmir and 13694 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 12th examination.
Srinagar, May 30: The Supreme Court has dismissed a batch of review petitions challenging its earlier verdict making the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory for in-service teachers, but granted additional time till August 31, 2028 for acquiring the qualification. A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan upheld its earlier judgment in Anjuman Ishaat-e-Taleem Trust vs State of Maharashtra, ruling that qualifying the TET was a mandatory eligibility condition for continuation in service as well as for promotions. However, taking note of practical difficulties faced by thousands of teachers across the country, the apex court extended the compliance period from two years to three years by exercising powers under Article 142 of the Constitution. “The qualification has to be obtained by 31st August, 2028 instead of 31st August, 2027, as originally directed,” the court said. The judgment came while deciding a large batch of review petitions filed by various states, teachers’ associations and individual teachers who had challenged the court’s earlier ruling requiring in-service teachers recruited before the enactment of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 to qualify the TET. The petitioners had argued that the RTE Act and subsequent amendments could not be applied retrospectively to teachers who were appointed before TET was introduced as an essential qualification. They contended that teachers had been recruited under prevailing service rules at the relevant time and imposing TET midway through their careers amounted to changing service conditions retrospectively. Rejecting the arguments, the Supreme Court held that the statutory framework under the RTE Act clearly intended in-service teachers also to acquire prescribed minimum qualifications within a stipulated timeframe. The court observed that the law neither invalidated past appointments nor imposed immediate disqualification, but instead provided sufficient time for teachers to comply with qualification requirements. “Service of teachers cannot come at the cost of educational future of the children,” the court observed, while emphasising that the RTE Act was a child-centric legislation aimed at ensuring quality education. The bench noted that teachers had already received more than 15 years since the implementation of the RTE Act to acquire the TET qualification and said the additional three-year window granted now should be treated as final. “We make it abundantly clear that no further prayer for extension of time shall be entertained,” the court said. At the same time, the apex court acknowledged concerns raised by states that disqualification of large numbers of teachers within a short period could adversely affect school functioning and disrupt children’s education. To address the issue, the court directed states and competent authorities to conduct TET examinations periodically and preferably twice every year with an interval of around six months between examinations. The judgment is expected to impact thousands of in-service teachers across various states who are yet to clear the Teacher Eligibility Test despite continuing in service for years. The court also reiterated that a review petition could not be treated as “an appeal in disguise” unless there was a clear error apparent on the face of the record. “With the aforesaid modification of the order under review, all the petitions stand dismissed,” the bench ruled.
Baramulla, May 11: Delhi Public School (DPS) Baramulla Monday organised an anti-drug rally under the aegis of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, staff members, officials, and the general public, reflecting a collective commitment towards building a drug-free society. The rally was conducted under the supervision and guidance of the Chairman DPS and the dedicated efforts of the Principal DPS Baramulla, Dr Shashwata Shiva, The Principal emphasised the crucial role of educational institutions in shaping responsible citizens and spreading awareness against substance abuse. He also highlighted the importance of youth empowerment, moral values, and community participation in eradicating the menace of drugs from society. The rally was conducted inside DPS campus, with participants carrying impactful placards, raising awareness slogans, and taking a pledge to stand united against drug abuse. "The event served as a powerful message of social responsibility, discipline, and national commitment by the young Dipsites of DPS Baramulla," the school handout reads.
Sets up 9-member committee to probe internal irregularities Srinagar, Apr 29: The Private Schools Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) on Tuesday called for strict enforcement of student safety guidelines, greater transparency in school administration. Addressing media persons in Srinagar, president PSAJK Nazrul Islam Baba called for accountability mechanism in schools. "We have also , constituted a nine-member internal enquiry committee to investigate alleged irregularities within the association," Baba said. PSAJK president said the association has adopted a “shared vision” to reform and strengthen the education ecosystem in the region. He stressed the need for strict implementation of provisions under the POSH Act and POCSO Act across all educational institutions. "Safety and dignity of students and staff must remain non-negotiable," he said. Baba also underscored the importance of transparency and institutional audits, calling for a robust system to ensure accountability. “Responsibilities must not only be assigned but also measured and reviewed at every level of administration and management,” he said. He highlighted the role of parents and emphasized stronger coordination between schools and parent associations. "Collaborative efforts are key to improving educational outcomes," he said. The PSAJK president expressed support for the Centre’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, saying the association is committed to working with authorities to raise awareness against substance abuse among youth. He also proposed large-scale awareness seminars and outreach programmes involving students, parents, and educators. Advocating pedagogical reforms, Baba called for upgradation of activity-based learning in classrooms, moving beyond rote methods to focus on skill development, critical thinking, and experiential learning. About the constitution of the international committee, PSAJK president said inquiry committee was constituted following the complaints regarding the alleged unconstitutional continuation or assumption of office by certain former office bearers beyond their prescribed tenure, as well as failure by some individuals to submit financial accounts to the head office by the March 31, 2026 deadline. "The committee has been mandated to examine the legality of such continuations, audit financial records, investigate non-compliance with institutional directives, and fix responsibility for any constitutional or financial violations," he said. PSAJK warned that individuals found continuing in unauthorised positions or obstructing the enquiry would face strict disciplinary and legal action. “Any failure to cooperate may lead to escalation of the matter to law enforcement agencies,” he added. He said the committee will conduct a time-bound probe, and its findings will be acted upon decisively to restore institutional discipline and credibility, it added. "We are committs to constitutional governance and transparency. We maintains zero tolerance towards misuse of position or institutional resources," he said.
