Bihar B.Ed Appointment: Patna HC rules B.Ed degree holders not eligible for primary school teaching jobs

NEW DELHI: The Patna High Court has observed that Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree holders cannot be considered eligible for appointment as primary school teachers in Bihar. A division bench comprising Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice Rajiv Roy made it clear that only the Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) holders will be appointed as primary school teachers.

The petitioners challenged the National Council of Teacher Education's (NCTE) notification dated June 28, 2018, that primary school teachers with a B.Ed degree were eligible for primary school teaching jobs.

The writ petitions are allowed with the finding that the notification is no longer applicable, and the B.Ed candidates cannot be considered eligible for appointment as primary school teachers.

"It goes without saying that the appointments made will have to be reworked," the bench said while hearing a batch of petitions about the appointments of primary teachers in 2021 and 2022.

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In a recent order, the Supreme Court said that only individuals holding a diploma in elementary education are eligible for appointment as primary school teachers. The decision was based on the observation that B.Ed degree holders may lack the pedagogical training and skills required to effectively handle kids.

The apex court had quashed the NCTE's 2018 notification that specified B.Ed as qualification criteria for primary teachers. It said that a good teacher is the first assurance of 'quality' education in a school. Any compromise on the qualification of teachers would necessarily mean compromising the 'quality' of education.

Distinguishing the skill sets necessary for teachers in primary and higher classes, a bench of the apex court highlighted the distinctive pedagogical approach required from primary-level teachers. The court emphasised the uniqueness of these initial formative years, as students take their first steps into the classroom, underscoring the need for careful and sensitive handling.

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"We are bound by the decision of the Supreme Court and so is the State, under Article 141 of the Constitution..." the high court bench said.

As per reports, over 22,000 teachers who cleared the B.Ed exam for Classes 1 to 5 will face implications. These teachers were appointed during the 6th phase of the recruitment process, and following the Patna High Court's ruling, candidates with a B.Ed qualification will no longer be deemed eligible for primary school teacher appointments in the state.

(With reference from agencies)
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