Bandipora 25 September 2026
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) District President Bandipora, Syed Sajad Hussain, has asserted that the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) should be made mandatory, stressing that ensuring quality education requires teachers to meet appropriate professional and academic standards.
His remarks came a day after the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly adopted a resolution urging the Government of India to exempt teachers appointed before October 31, 2019, from appearing in the TET. The resolution was moved by School Education Minister Sakina Itoo and passed by voice vote.
Syed Sajad Hussain said that “to protect political interests, the education system should not be put at stake.” He maintained that TET is an important requirement in the present circumstances and that teachers should possess the necessary qualifications and competencies to provide quality education to children.
He said that teachers play a fundamental role in building the academic foundation of students and preparing them for competitive examinations and higher education. According to him, strengthening the quality of teaching is essential for improving educational outcomes across Jammu and Kashmir.
“TET is an essential requirement in the present times. If we want to provide quality education to our children, our teachers must also be professionally equipped and meet the required standards. Therefore, TET should be mandatory for teachers,” he said.
The PDP Bandipora president further said that the shortage of students from areas such as Bandipora and Kashmir qualifying for highly competitive examinations, including UPSC and other national-level examinations, should also be viewed in the context of the educational foundation available to them.
He said that students require a strong academic base and quality schooling from an early stage so that they can compete successfully in higher-level examinations and professional fields.
Syed Sajad stressed that rather than weakening academic standards, efforts should focus on strengthening the education system and ensuring that teachers are adequately prepared to meet the educational needs of students.
He reiterated that TET should be treated as an important mechanism for maintaining teaching standards and improving the overall quality of education in Jammu and Kashmir.
