Supreme Court laments state of education in country

The Supreme Court lamented the level of education in the country while it was hearing a plea challenging the teachers' competency test prescribed for improving the quality of education in rural schools in Bihar.

The court's remarks came on the 27th of June while hearing a petition filed by two groups of teachers – Parivartankari Prarambhik Shikshak Sangh and Bihar Rajya Prarambhik Shikshak Sangh. These teachers are employed with Panchayat-run schools in the state and challenged the Bihar School Exclusive Teachers Rules, 2023, requiring them to take the competency exam.

The Bihar government argued that the test was optional and no action would be taken against those who do not wish to take the exam. But the teachers who qualify would be put on par with the state government teachers.

Taking a dig at the standard of education, particularly in rural parts of the country, Justice Nagarathna 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."

"Teachers build the nation and if you cannot face these tests, then resign and leave. In a state like Bihar, if an attempt is being made to improve them, you are not allowing it?" Nagarathna added.

The case pertained to the aspirants opposing Patna High Court's judgement on April 2 which upheld the competency test while striking down certain provisions of the Exclusive Teachers Rules, 2023.

This case involved around 4 lakh Niyojit teachers (Panchayat teachers).

The High Court had ruled that unless the Niyojit teachers cleared the competency test, they would not be eligible to continue in service.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain the appeal against this High Court's decision.