Bhubaneswar: School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond on Thursday said the state government is carefully reviewing the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), which has direct implications for nearly 75,000 teachers who were appointed before 2011 without clearing the Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET).
The minister informed that extensive discussions are underway to decide whether the state should file a review petition in the apex court or adopt alternative measures.
“Many teachers in Odisha were appointed before OTET was introduced in 2011. Their future is now linked to the court’s decision. We are examining the approaches taken by other states and will act in the best interest of our teachers,” Gond said.
Emphasizing that the government is committed to safeguarding teachers’ interests, the minister added that no hasty decision would be taken without considering all legal and practical aspects.
On the issue of early childhood education, Gond announced that Bal Vatika 3 (pre-school level 3) has been integrated into around 45,000 schools across Odisha. Children above five years of age will now be admitted to Bal Vatika 3, while Bal Vatika 1 and 2 will continue to function in Anganwadi centres for the time being.
He clarified that merging all Anganwadis into schools is not feasible immediately due to infrastructure constraints.
“Initially, Bal Vatika 3 has been rolled out in schools. Caregivers will also be appointed in every school. If further directives come, Bal Vatika 1 and 2 may also be integrated,” the minister stated.
