Shillong, April 24: Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Friday strongly countered remarks made by VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit regarding the implementation of the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET), stating that the opposition leader was “misguided” and failing to understand the legal reality.
Reacting to allegations that the government was “harassing” teachers by requiring them to clear the MTET, Rymbui termed the statement “highly condemnable” and urged Basaiawmoit to first understand the basis of the policy before making such claims. “His statement is condemnable because he does not understand the truth. Before making such allegations, he should find out the reason behind the decision,” Rymbui said.
Taking a swipe at the VPP leader, the minister remarked that Basaiawmoit was viewing the issue through “black glasses,” preventing him from seeing the facts clearly.
Rymbui clarified that the Teacher Eligibility Test is mandated under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and reinforced by a Supreme Court ruling dated September 1, 2025.
He said the ruling makes it compulsory for all teachers to pass the TET, regardless of their years of service, except those with only five years remaining before retirement. However, such exempted teachers would not be eligible for promotions. “So now, who is misleading and who is harassing?” he questioned, asserting that the government is duty-bound to follow the law.
The minister emphasized that the ruling applies across the country and is not limited to Meghalaya, with only minority institutions currently exempt pending further legal consideration. Dismissing the allegation of harassment, Rymbui said teachers are aware of the requirements and the government is working to support them.
He informed that the state government, along with other states and teachers’ associations such as the SSA Association, has already filed a review petition in the Supreme Court, acknowledging the contributions of long-serving teachers. “As of now, the Supreme Court’s ruling stands. All teachers must clear the TET by August 31, 2027, except those with five years of service left,” he said.
To assist teachers, the government plans to conduct the TET at least twice, and possibly three times, before the 2027 deadline. Additionally, in-service teachers have been allowed to appear for the exam even if they do not meet standard eligibility criteria like D.El.Ed qualifications or minimum Class XII marks.
The Education Department, through DERT, is also providing preparatory support, including the publication of guidebooks aimed at improving pass rates. “We want all teachers to pass. They have served for many years, and we are committed to supporting them,” Rymbui said, adding that the initiative has already contributed to a 30% increase in pass percentage.
He further revealed that he has written to the Union Education Minister, while the Chief Minister has also taken up the matter with the Centre, seeking amendments to the RTE Act to exempt long-serving teachers.
Calling for constructive engagement, Rymbui invited suggestions from the opposition. “Instead of blaming, suggest solutions on how to overcome the legal challenges. Let us work together to reform the sector and improve the quality of education in Meghalaya,” he said.
