Regularised without OTET: Odisha probes teacher appointments in violation of policy

Several junior teachers have allegedly been regularised in government jobs after six years of service, without possessing the mandatory OTET certificate. The School & Mass Education Department has now launched an inquiry into the matter, sources said on Thursday.

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According to sources, despite not having cleared the Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET), some junior teachers in Odisha have allegedly been regularised in government schools after six years of service. This development has triggered departmental action after complaints were filed with the education authorities.

The S&ME Department has directed District Education Officers (DEOs) concerned to submit their reports regarding the ‘irregularities’ within seven days. As per the government policy enacted in 2012, no junior teacher should be regularised without clearing OTET. However, records suggest that several such appointments were made in the districts like Jajpur and Khordha during the tenure of the previous (BJD-led) government.

Allegedly, though the concerned teachers have obtained OTET certification later, the policy mandates clearing it before regularisation. This rule, however, was not uniformly enforced across all districts of the State.

After receiving complaints, the primary teachers' association brought the matter to the attention of the Directorate of Elementary Education. Responding to the issue, the School & Mass Education Minister said the department is currently examining possible rule violations and will take action against those found guilty.

The irregular appointments could have broader implications, raising deep concerns about fairness, transparency, and consistency in Odisha’s teacher recruitment policies.

“It was known from a court judgment that the NCTE (National Council of Teacher Education) has made OTET mandatory for the regularisation of appointment of junior school teachers. Hence, the eligibility test is essential for this purpose. The follow-up of OTET requirements is now being analysed by the department,” S&ME Minister Nityananda Gond stated.