The Supreme Court has ruled that teachers must continuously upgrade their skills or resign, rejecting a petition from Bihar’s local body teachers who opposed a competency test to improve education quality in rural schools. Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized prioritizing children’s education over the teachers' objections, particularly in Bihar.
Two groups of teachers filed the petition – Parivartankari Prarambhik Shikshak Sangh and Bihar Rajya Prarambhik Shikshak Sangh – employed in Panchayat-run schools. They challenged the Bihar School Exclusive Teachers Rules, 2023, which mandate the competency exam. The teachers argued that they had already proven their competence under previous regulations and that the new test would create discriminatory classes among teachers.
However, the Bihar government clarified that the competency test was optional and that no punitive action would be taken against those who chose not to. Teachers who passed the exam would be given parity with state government educators.
The justices criticized the focus on salary and promotion over skill enhancement, highlighting the broader issue of inadequate basic skills among highly educated individuals. They noted, “Look at our rural schools and the kind of education in our country. A postgraduate cannot write a leave letter. When the state does anything to enhance competency you challenge it in court. Everybody cannot afford to go to private or international schools.” As quoted by the Hindustan Times.
Previously, the Patna High Court upheld the competency test as an opportunity for Niyojit teachers to achieve parity with state teachers and continue their professional development. The state argued that policy changes were crucial for improving teaching quality and protecting teachers' livelihoods.
The Supreme Court concurred with the High Court, affirming that the competency test aims to update teachers’ skills and prevent professional stagnation.
