Teachers seek correction in promotion list

Bhubaneswar: Alleging anomalies in the gradation lists prepared for the ongoing promotion exercise, a section of elementary teachers has urged the state govt to review the process and ensure that promotions are carried out strictly in accordance with Supreme Court rulings, the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, NCTE norms and Odisha Elementary Education Service Rules, 2019.In a memorandum submitted recently to the director of elementary education, the teachers claimed that discrepancies in the gradation lists have affected inter-se seniority and promotional prospects of eligible candidates in several districts.Referring to the Supreme Court’s 2025 ruling that made Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) or Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) mandatory for appointment as a teacher, they argued that teachers who had cleared TET or OTET at the time of joining service, or within the stipulated period, should be given priority in promotions over those who acquired the qualification later.“In several districts where promotions are underway, many in-service teachers who did not possess TET or OTET qualifications at the relevant time, or who obtained the qualifications later, are being promoted ahead of those who were already qualified,” alleged Ajay Kumar Dhal, a member of an elementary teachers’ association.Dhal further alleged that teachers who qualified through the Special OTET conducted by the state govt last year are also being considered for promotions.

“The Special OTET, held for the first time last year, recorded an overall pass percentage of 66.5. As per Supreme Court directions and NCTE norms, the eligibility criteria for appointment and promotion refer to TET or OTET, but there is no mention of Special OTET as a qualifying criterion for the purpose,” he said.The teachers have sought a review of the promotion lists and correction of alleged irregularities before the exercise is finalised. They warned that if the process is not conducted in accordance with the rules, affected teachers may approach the courts for relief.Director of elementary education Balamukunda Bhuyan could not be reached for comment. However, an official in the school and mass education department said the allegations would be looked into.