06/06/2026
JKTF Launches UT-Wide Online Signature Campaign Seeking Exemption from Mandatory TET for All in- service Teacher's
Jammu, June 06, 2026:
The Jammu & Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) has launched a Union Territory-wide Online Signature Campaign seeking exemption from the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) requirement for teachers appointed in Jammu & Kashmir prior to 31 October 2019 and protection of their existing service rights.
In a statement issued by forum Chief Spokesperson Joginder Singh thakur said that the forum UT President Mohd. Ashraf Sheikh said that thousands of teachers presently serving in the School Education Department were appointed under the recruitment rules, eligibility criteria, and service conditions that were legally in force at the time of their appointment. These teachers have rendered dedicated and satisfactory service for many years and have played a vital role in strengthening the educational framework of Jammu & Kashmir.
He stated that the Right to Education Act, 2009, along with the NCTE Regulations relating to TET, became applicable to Jammu & Kashmir only on 31 October 2019 following the implementation of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Therefore, imposing the TET requirement retrospectively on teachers appointed before that date would be unjust and would create serious concerns regarding their service security, seniority, promotions, and career progression.
Mohd. Ashraf Sheikh further informed that JKTF has prepared a comprehensive memorandum addressed to the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, seeking complete exemption from the mandatory TET requirement for all in service Teacher's and protection of their service rights, and assurance that no adverse action is taken against serving teachers on account of non-possession of TET where such qualification was not prescribed at the time of appointment.
He emphasized that the issue concerns the livelihood, dignity, and legitimate expectations of thousands of teachers who entered service through lawful recruitment processes and have been serving the education department with commitment and dedication.
The Forum has appealed to teachers, employees, parents, students, citizens, and well-wishers across Jammu & Kashmir to actively participate in the online signature campaign and support this genuine and justified cause.
"Every signature strengthens our collective voice and reinforces our demand for justice, fairness, and protection of the rights of serving teachers. We urge all stakeholders to come forward and support this democratic initiative," the JKTF President said.
JKTF expressed confidence that the Government of India will sympathetically consider the concerns of the teaching community and take appropriate measures to safeguard the interests of all in-service teachers in accordance with the laws and regulations then in force.
The Forum also urged all stakeholders to sign the petition and share it extensively through social media platforms, educational forums, and public networks to ensure maximum participation in the campaign.
the meeting was attended by UT Sr vice president Rafaquit Hussain, Sr vice Chairman Mohd Mahroof, Provincial President Jammu Gulshan Sharma, Senior leader Sandeep Bhat,UT Vice President Sanjeet Sharma, UT VICE President Mehmood-ul-Rayaz, UT Add.General Secretary Aakash kashyap, UT chief Spokesperson Joginder Singh, UT Chief Advisor Neetan Kalyan, UT Secretary Raman Kumar Sharma,UT Press& Publicity Secretary Jalil Ahmed, UT Media Secretary Vikee Pandita,UT chief Coordinator Sahil bharti,UT Convenor Lokesh Sharma, Joint secretary Tariq Amin Naik, UT Advisor Maroof Zargar,Provincial Sr vice president Nasir Ahmed mir, Provincial Vice president Amarjeet Singh,Mohd Ryaz, Spokesperson Ranjeet Singh, Provincial President female wing Ganai Nazia Farooq, Provincial Secretary Happy Sharma, Provincial coordinator vinod Sharma,District President Jammu Ali Akbar, District President Poonch Shahbaz Akbar Khan, District President Rajouri Satnam Singh, District President Ramban Nasir ul haq bhat, District President Kishtwar Imtiyaz ul haq, District President Doda Mohd Amin, District President Kathua Bhupinder Singh, District President Reasi Rail Singh, District President Udhampur Aakash bharti, District President Anantnag Vinod Kumar bhat, District President Samba Ferdous Choudhary,District President Female wing Kathua Kamlesh kumari, District Chairman Poonch Syed bashir Qudri,District President Female Reasi Shilpa devi ,iqbal Malik,among others
Issued By:
Vikee Pandita
Media secretary
J&K Teachers forum
"Together We Stand – Together We Succeed."