Editor,
I am writing to express a collective concern regarding the current state of teachers’ recruitment in Arunachal Pradesh. It is a well-documented fact that our state faces a severe teacher shortage, with districts like Longding alone, as per reports seen in newspapers, requiring well over a hundred teachers across various categories.
Given this critical need, it is deeply concerning to hear speculation circulating about a potential notification for as few as 111 PGT posts. If a single district needs over a hundred teachers across various categories, how can a mere 111 posts suffice for the entire state’s need? This number appears to be remarkably insufficient.
For many of us, including myself (a BEd graduate from 2019), the past six years have been marked by a frustrating lack of regular TGT/PGT recruitment opportunities. The hopes that arose in 2022 were unfortunately dashed by the APPSC events of that year. While some of us are currently engaged as ISSE contractual teachers, navigating challenges such as disparities in pay, many other qualified individuals remain unemployed, investing their limited resources in preparing for exams, only to face repeated postponements.
We understand that the state government has reportedly expressed its intent to adopt new NCTE guidelines for the upcoming TGT/PGT exam pattern. This is a welcome and progressive step, anticipating its positive impact on educational standards. However, the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) must break its silence and provide official update regarding these crucial changes.
Aspirants must not be left to grapple with uncertainty, nor should they feel compelled to seek extensions for preparation, as was recently observed with the assistant engineer candidates due to sudden syllabus changes. The APPSC has a responsibility to prevent such distress.
We earnestly call upon the APPSC to immediately take decisive action on the following:
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of actual teacher vacancies across the state, followed by a significantly larger notification for posts (covering both PGT and TGT roles) to genuinely meet the state’s severe educational needs.
- Publish a firm examination calendar for all upcoming recruitment drives.
- Ensure proactive and clear communication regarding any syllabus changes, particularly those related to the adoption of NCTE guidelines, allowing sufficient time for preparation.
A transparent and fair recruitment process is vital not only for the careers of dedicated aspirants but, more importantly, for the future of our students and the quality of education in Arunachal. We urge the APPSC to fulfil its mandate with utmost urgency and fairness. We look forward to a responsive and clear pathway forward.
Aspirant