Supreme Court Criticizes Education Standards, Supports Teachers' Competency Test in Bihar

On June 27, 2024 (Thursday), the Supreme Court (SC) expressed concern about the low education standards in India, pointing out that even teachers with advanced degrees (postgraduate) often struggle with simple tasks like writing a leave letter. Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan were hearing a case against a teachers' competency test conducted by the State of Bihar. 

During the proceedings yesterday (June 27), Justice Nagarathna noted that efforts to improve education standards are often resisted. She said, "He is a postgraduate (PG) and he gets a job and then he cannot even write a leave letter. This is the level of education in the country? And when the State brings in some regulation (competency test) you oppose that? Teachers build the nation and if you cannot face these tests, then resign and leave. In a State like Bihar, if an attempt is being made to improve them, you are not allowing it?" 

The matter involved a challenge to an April 2 judgment by the Patna High Court, which supported the competency test for teachers but struck down some parts of the Exclusive Teachers Rules, 2023. It was observed that about 4 lakh Niyojit teachers (Panchayat teachers) in Bihar were affected. The HC had decided that teachers who did not pass the competency test could not continue in their jobs.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to hear the appeal against the High Court's decision. The special leave petition (SLP) was drafted by Advocate Animesh Kumar and filed by Advocate Nishant Kumar. While dismissing the current SLP, Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan stressed the need for high education standards and backed the state's efforts to test teachers' skills. The order of the SC reads, “We have heard learned counsel appearing for the respective parties at length. We do not find any merit in the matters. The Special Leave Petitions are, hence, dismissed. Pending application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.”