Over 1,232 Physical Education Teacher (PET) candidates, who triumphantly cleared the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) exam in 2017 for positions in government-run residential schools, are embroiled in a frustrating six-year odyssey marked by legal hurdles and administrative delays.
Their saga of struggle began with securing coveted government jobs, only to witness the recruitment process grind to a halt due to legal tangles. Despite a green light from the High Court last year, the then state government remained inactive, leaving the qualified candidates dangling in uncertainty.
Adding to their woes, the TSPSC responsible for issuing recruitment orders, is currently headless following a change in government. This leadership vacuum, coupled with upcoming elections, throws a dark cloud over their long-awaited appointments. Worse yet, some candidates face the looming threat of exceeding the age limit for government jobs.
The crux of the issue lies in a mismatch between the TSPSC’s 2017 notification and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) guidelines. While the notification didn’t differentiate between qualifications for teaching at different levels, NCTE mandates an Intermediate degree with a diploma for Class 8 PETs and a physical education graduation for Class 9 and 10 educators, with mandatory participation in sports events. This divergence sparked court cases, further stalling the recruitment process.
Despite High Court directions in October 2022 (writ petition 6,657 of 2022) instructing TSPSC to categorize candidates and announce results based on merit, the BRS government failed to act. Their pleas to officials and political leaders have fallen on deaf ears, with political turmoil further clouding their prospects.
With the resignations of TSPSC chairman and members yet to be accepted by the new Congress government and talk of revamping the commission before fresh exams, the 2017 Gurukul PET batch sees a glimmer of hope. They desperately seek immediate issuance of appointment letters, recognizing that their recruitment process stands complete. Time is of the essence, as the approaching parliamentary elections and model code of conduct threaten to further delay their rightful appointments.
The plight of these qualified candidates highlights the urgent need for efficient administration and adherence to established guidelines in government recruitment processes. Their prolonged wait underscores the human cost of bureaucratic bottlenecks and political complexities. It’s a stark reminder that behind every vacancy is a life on hold, and a dream deferred.
