The Allahabad High Court has upheld a government order that sets minimum qualification standards for assistant teacher positions in recognised junior high schools. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra overturned an earlier single-judge ruling from September 24, 2024, which had struck down certain eligibility criteria. The original writ petition was filed by Yashank Khandelwal and nine others seeking admission to a two-year diploma in elementary education based on intermediate certificates. They challenged clause 4 of the September 9, 2024 government order, which mandates a graduation degree from a University Grants Commission-recognised university and a teacher training course approved by the state government or National Council for Teacher Education. The division bench ruled that graduation requirements align with existing regulations dating back to 1998 and are not arbitrary, thereby dismissing the respondents' petition.
Court Reinstates Graduation Requirement for Teacher Training
The division bench examined various rules and provisions, noting that graduation has consistently been required for training courses since 1998. The court emphasized that even for teaching children from Class I to VIII, only graduates are eligible for appointment in basic schools. The bench found that government orders prescribing graduation as the minimum qualification for admission to Basic Training Certificate and Diploma in Elementary Education courses are consistent with the Rules of 1981 and not arbitrary. Consequently, the judgment dated September 24, 2024 passed by the single judge was set aside, and the writ petition filed by the respondents was dismissed. The state government's eligibility criteria remain enforceable.
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