Assam Government Clarifies Teacher Regularization Criteria Amid Tutor Protests
Government's Position on Tutor Regularization
File image of tutor's protest in Latasil, Guwahati. (Photo: AT)
Guwahati, Sep 4: In response to the ongoing demands from provincialized tutors seeking regularization, the Assam government has made it clear that individuals lacking the necessary qualifications will not be eligible for promotion to regular teaching positions.
Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu emphasized that tutors who do not hold a B.Ed, D.El.Ed degree, or have not passed the TET examination cannot be upgraded to regular teachers. “This is a crucial point that needs to be understood,” he stated during an MoU signing event aimed at enhancing school education through Artificial Intelligence and technology.
He further explained that while the state government had previously undertaken provincialization, it became evident that tutors not meeting the standards set by the Right to Education Act and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) could not be appointed as regular teachers.
“These tutors have been recognized and appointed by the state government, and they will continue to receive their fixed payment of 6%,” Pegu added.
The minister also highlighted the Supreme Court's ruling regarding teacher recruitment, which mandates that appointments cannot occur without the TET examination.
Regarding promotions, Pegu noted that these are conducted in accordance with government regulations through Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs). He mentioned that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed departments to expedite all pending promotions before the government initiates its plan for 200,000 new recruitments.
The MoU signing ceremony also marked a significant step towards integrating AI and technology into Assam's educational framework, with six organizations partnering with Samagra Shiksha Assam in various capacities.
Through collaboration with Google AI, teachers will gain access to AI-driven educational tools, enhancing their digital skills and professional growth. A partnership with IIT Madras–Bodhan AI aims to improve AI proficiency among teachers, with plans to train approximately 100,000 educators for Grades 6 to 12 by May 2027.
Additionally, the collaboration with LEHS–Wadhwani AI will focus on improving foundational literacy through AI-based assessments of students’ reading abilities, while Educate Girls will assist in identifying, enrolling, and retaining out-of-school adolescents, especially girls.
EkStep–AXL will concentrate on personalized, AI-supported learning in foundational literacy and numeracy, and Canva Education will promote digital literacy, creativity, design thinking, and innovation among both teachers and students.
Pegu concluded that these partnerships would foster a technology-driven, inclusive, and student-centered educational environment, empowering teachers and broadening learning opportunities for students throughout the state.