Andhra teachers launch indefinite hunger strike over TET mandate

The Andhra Pradesh Unified Teachers Federation (APUTF) has called for an indefinite hunger strike starting September 4, demanding that teachers already serving in state schools be exempted from the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), The Hindu reported. The federation said the strike will continue until the government reverses its recent directive that all teachers, irrespective of tenure, must clear the TET to retain their posts.

The demand stems from a policy shift announced earlier this year. While the state had previously allowed in‑service teachers to regularise their positions without the exam, the education department later mandated that even veteran educators sit for the test to qualify for salary upgrades and promotions. APUTF argues that the move penalises teachers who have spent years in classrooms and undermines morale.

TET, introduced nationally in 2020, is intended to set a uniform standard for primary and upper‑primary teachers across India. Each state adopts the exam, but implementation varies. Some states, such as Karnataka, have granted exemptions to long‑serving teachers, whereas Andhra Pradesh has taken a stricter stance. The controversy highlights the tension between uniform quality benchmarks and the practical realities of a large, experienced teaching workforce.

The hunger strike adds to a series of teacher‑led actions in the state over the past months, including rallies in Hyderabad and Vijayawada. Schools in several districts have reported reduced attendance as teachers prepare for the protest, raising concerns about potential disruption to students' learning. Education analysts note that prolonged strikes could pressure the government to negotiate, but also risk delaying academic calendars.

If the APUTF proceeds with the indefinite fast, the state may face a delicate balancing act: maintaining educational continuity while addressing teachers' grievances. The government has so far indicated willingness to discuss a phased implementation of the TET requirement, but no concrete concessions have been announced. Stakeholders are watching closely, as the outcome could set a precedent for how other Indian states handle eligibility testing for veteran educators.