In a significant move addressing linguistic rights in education, the Karnataka government has urged Maharashtra to introduce Kannada as a language option in the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET).
Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh formally wrote to her Maharashtra counterpart, requesting immediate action to support Kannada-medium teachers working in Maharashtra.
Why Karnataka Raised the Demand
The request comes in response to growing concerns among teachers and education stakeholders.
Key Reasons:
- TET in Maharashtra is currently conducted only in Marathi and English
- Kannada-medium teachers are forced to write exams in non-native languages
- This creates disadvantages and lower success rates
Karnataka highlighted that this issue is causing stress and uncertainty among teachers, especially since qualifying TET is mandatory for job security.
Thousands of Students and Schools Affected
The scale of the issue is significant:
- Around 377 Kannada-medium schools operate in Maharashtra
- Nearly 44,860 students are enrolled in these schools
- Many teachers depend on TET qualification to continue their careers
Regions like Jat, Akkalkot, South Solapur, and parts of Mumbai have a substantial Kannada-speaking population, making this issue both educational and cultural.
Deadline Pressure: TET Mandatory by 2027
As per existing regulations and court directions:
- All teachers must clear the TET by 2027
- Failure to qualify may affect job continuity
However, the absence of Kannada in the exam creates a systemic disadvantage, particularly for teachers educated in Kannada medium.
Constitutional Backing for Linguistic Minorities
Karnataka has strongly emphasized that this demand is not just administrative but constitutional.
Relevant Provisions Include:
- Article 30 – Rights of minorities to establish educational institutions
- Article 347 – Recognition of languages
- Articles 350, 350A, 350B – Protection of linguistic minorities
The state argues that denying Kannada in TET may violate linguistic and educational rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Reciprocity Argument: Karnataka Already Allows Marathi
Karnataka has pointed out a key precedent:
- It already allows Marathi language option in TET for Marathi-speaking candidates in Karnataka
Based on this, the state has requested Maharashtra to extend a similar reciprocal arrangement for Kannada-speaking teachers.
Urgent Appeal Ahead of Application Deadline
With the TET application deadline approaching April 16, Karnataka has sought immediate intervention.
Key Requests Made:
- Introduce Kannada as a TET language option
- Extend this provision to future recruitments
- Fill vacancies in Kannada-medium schools on priority
The government has stressed that timely action is crucial to prevent disruption in the education system.
Ground Reality: Teachers Facing Practical Difficulties
Reports indicate that many Kannada-medium teachers:
- Struggle to understand question papers in Marathi
- Fail to qualify despite being academically competent
- Face career uncertainty due to language barriers
This has also led to concerns about a shortage of Kannada teachers, potentially affecting the future of Kannada-medium education in Maharashtra.
