Repetitive failure: court tests abilities to teach young children in Kashmir

Prospective candidates applied for the position of Rehbar-e-Taleem (education guide) teacher in a school in south Kashmir. It was a five-year contractual appointment to a government primary school before the position could be made permanent. The winning candidate had a Bachelor of Commerce degree from a private university in Nagaland issued by the Board of Higher Secondary Education of India. The results showed 74% in Urdu, 73% in English, and 66% in Mathematics. Hence he was appointed on merit.

Another candidate petitioned the appointment. The petition was heard in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in May 2015.

The court asked the appointed teacher to undertake a brief translation exam in open court to test his abilities to teach young children. The applicant failed the exam, which was a simple line for translation from English into Urdu and vice-versa. Next the applicant was asked to write an essay about a cow in Urdu, but he failed. He asked if he could re-do the essay test out of the courtroom. This was granted, and he failed again. The applicant said he was better at mathematics. The court asked him to undertake a grade 4 mathematical problem (56-85 = X), but he failed again.

The court directed the commissioner of the secondary education department to constitute a committee to review the appointments of education guide teachers on the basis of “dubious degrees.” This will include a screening test of all Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers to ascertain whether they can teach young students and to review unrecognized higher degree courses. The education department will direct all zonal education officers to implement the court instructions.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

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