Bihar: Patna HC Quashes Appointment of Over 22,000 B.Ed Teachers in Classes 1 to 5
The Patna High Court has rendered the appointments of Bihar B.Ed degree holders as primary school teachers null and void. The court ruled that individuals possessing a B.Ed degree are ineligible for teaching positions in classes 1st to 5th in Bihar. Instead, candidates with a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) are deemed eligible for primary school teaching roles.
The Patna High Court has rendered the appointments of Bihar B.Ed degree holders as primary school teachers null and void. The court ruled that individuals possessing a B.Ed degree are ineligible for teaching positions in classes 1st to 5th in Bihar. Instead, candidates with a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) are deemed eligible for primary school teaching roles.
Court Ruling Impact:
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Invalidation of NCTE Notification:
The court invalidated the National Council for Teachers Education's (NCTE) 2018 notification that made a B.Ed degree compulsory for primary school teaching jobs. -
Eligibility Criteria:
The division bench, led by Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran, explicitly stated that only D.EI.Ed. holders can be appointed as primary school teachers, challenging the necessity of a B.Ed degree for these roles. -
Impact on Appointments:
This ruling affects over 22 thousand teachers appointed during the 6th phase of the recruitment process for classes 1 to 5.
Rationale Behind the Decision:
- Pedagogical Approach:
The court emphasized that the appointment of teachers should align with the specific skill sets necessary for teaching primary and higher classes. It underscored the need for a distinct pedagogical approach during the initial years of a student's education.
The verdict highlights a shift in the eligibility criteria for primary school teacher appointments in Bihar, emphasizing the importance of specialized qualifications for teaching at different academic levels.