Andhra Pradesh teachers call off strike after CM's TET assurance

The Andhra Pradesh United Teachers Federation (APUTF) on Saturday called off its indefinite hunger strike after Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu assured that the government would help all in-service teachers clear the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET).

The federation had launched the fast on Friday, demanding that teachers already in service be exempted from the TET requirement. The move had come ahead of Teachers' Day, drawing attention to what the union described as undue stress on educators.

In a joint statement, APUTF State president N. Venkateswarlu and general secretary K.S.S. Prasad said that the Chief Minister had assured them that the state government viewed it as its responsibility to ensure that every teacher appearing for the TET is able to pass the examination. The assurance came during discussions between the union representatives and the government.

Following the Chief Minister's commitment, a delegation comprising Andhra Pradesh Joint Action Committee (APJAC) Chairman A. Vidyasagar, former MLC K.S. Lakshmana Rao, and Andhra Pradesh Non-Gazetted Officers' Association State Secretary D.V. Ramana offered lemon juice to the fasting teachers, formally ending the strike.

Later, the union leaders expressed disappointment over the timing of the situation. “It is unfortunate that teachers were subjected to anxiety and uncertainty on Teachers' Day,” they said in a statement. They emphasised that the date, meant to honour educators, had instead been marked by concern over professional qualifications.

The APUTF also raised broader issues affecting the teaching community. They called on the government to address concerns related to the restructuring and rationalisation of teaching posts. The union demanded that all vacant positions be filled promptly and that schools be provided with the required number of teachers to ensure proper student-teacher ratios.

Furthermore, the federation representatives urged the government to implement all relevant provisions and guidelines correctly. They stressed that administrative decisions should not adversely affect either students or teachers. “The functioning of schools must not suffer because of policy-level changes,” the statement added.

The TET, mandated under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, is a qualification required for teachers in schools across India. In Andhra Pradesh, the examination has been a point of contention, particularly for experienced in-service teachers who argue that their long service should be considered sufficient qualification.

The government's assurance has temporarily resolved the immediate standoff, but union leaders have indicated that they will continue to press for systemic changes. They said they would monitor the implementation of the Chief Minister's promise and remain vigilant on other pending demands.

This development comes amid ongoing efforts by the state government to overhaul school education, including rationalisation of staff and infrastructure. While the government has cited the need for efficiency, teachers' unions have repeatedly warned that such steps must not compromise the quality of education or the stability of the workforce.

The end of the hunger strike has brought relief to thousands of teachers who had gathered in support. However, with multiple unresolved issues, the dialogue between the APUTF and the state government is likely to continue in the coming weeks.