The Agni-Pariksha of Educators, Teacher or Struggler?

 Questions Arise Over Exam Pressure at Age 50 and Social Indifference

MAHARASHTRA:(by Wasim Sheikh):-Recent policy decisions by the Education Department have sparked a massive debate among educators across the state. Growing resentment is brewing within teacher organizations and a significant section of society regarding the pressure being mounted on veteran teachers in the name of TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) and re-qualification. A social media post, which has recently gone viral, has brought this issue to the forefront from the perspective of human rights and social justice.

Why Different Rules for Teachers Alone?

The core issue raised in the report is why the "sword of proving eligibility" hangs solely over the heads of teachers. The report questions why, if judges, doctors, engineers, collectors, or tehsildars are not required to retake qualification exams after years of service, teachers are being forced to undergo this "ordeal by fire" (Agni-Pariksha) repeatedly.

The Burden of Responsibilities at Fifty

The most sensitive aspect concerns teachers who are at the twilight of their careers. For those over the age of 50—who are balancing school duties with family responsibilities, their children’s higher education, and the care of elderly parents—preparing for a competitive exam is being described as mental and physical harassment.

Experts weigh in on the situation:

> "An education system standing in the shadow of fear and stress can never build a high-quality future for the nation."

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Concern Over Changing Social Mindsets

The report highlights a disturbing trend where a section of society is reportedly celebrating the threat of teachers losing their jobs. The news describes this mindset as a "distortion" (Vikriti). It points out that many forget that the very positions they hold today were made possible by these teachers, who worked with full integrity based on the qualifications required at the time of their appointment.

Key Demands and Conclusions

Teachers argue that declaring educators—who have been teaching for decades—ineligible based on new, retrospective rules is inherently unjust. Their primary demands include:

 Targeted Action, Not Mass Punishment: While society has the right to complain against non-performing teachers, punishing the entire fraternity for the mistakes of a few is wrong.

 Restoration of Dignity: Instead of viewing teachers with suspicion, they should be accorded the respect they deserve as nation-builders.

 This is not merely a question of job security; it is a battle for the dignity of the "foundation stones" that shape the next generation. If the government and society fail to address this in time, the negative impact on the entire education system is inevitable.