Oken sticks to technical ground stand on TET centres
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 03 2012: Education Minister M Okendro has reiterated his stand that with the exception of the twin capital districts, Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET) centres would not be allotted to other district headquarters, including the hill districts, on technical ground.

Speaking to some newspersons today in connection with the proposed indefinite economic blockade by tribal student organisations, the Minister stated that lack of infrastructure in the hill districts for holding such a test has compelled the Government to conduct it in the twin capital districts.

The Minister however did not elaborate on the infrastructural deficiencies and technical difficulties.

Without specifying on the technical ground for not conducting the TET examination in the hill district headquarters as demanded by the Joint Committee of Hills District Students Organisation, Okendro said the examination to be conducted on the pattern of UPSC examinations is to recruit capable teachers and related with providing employment.

File pic of Senapati town during the bandh called on TET and Oken

The Organisation has set an ultimatum to the State Government to either allot TET examination centres in all the hill district headquarters or face indefinite economic blockade from october 15 onwards.

Asserting that the Government is determined to hold the TET examination on November 11, he also informed that the question papers would be flown in on a chartered flight.

About 50,000 candidates have already applied for the examination, he said while conveying to all concerned that the Government is making all out effort to hold similar examinations in the future in all the district headquarters.

Earlier on September 18 an agreement was reached to make available TET forms in all the district headquarters through the offices of the respective DCs and ZEOs.

The said meeting presided by Okendro and attended by representatives of KSO and DESAM in the presence of some MLAs from the hill district, had also agreed to extend last date of form submission even though the issue of TET centres in all the hill district HQs remained inconclusive.

At the said meeting also, the Minister had assured to look into all possible aspects to ensure future TET examinations are held in the hill district headquarters.