Sudha Murty Advocates Mandatory Training and Exams for Teachers Every Three Years

New Delhi, 12 March 2025: Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murty has called for a mandatory training and examination system for teachers every three years, emphasising that continuous learning is crucial to improving the quality of education. Speaking during a discussion on the working of the Ministry of Education, Murty underscored that teachers are the backbone of the education system, and without their growth, no infrastructural investment in schools can bring true progress.

Murty highlighted that technology and teaching methodologies are constantly evolving, and educators need to stay updated to deliver high-quality education. She pointed out that while teachers undergo training sessions, there is no system in place to assess their learning through examinations.

“Teachers, once they pass their BA, MA, or even PhD, enter the education system, but after that, they do not take any exams until retirement. This should not happen. Every three years, they should undergo training and be tested on new techniques or knowledge. Otherwise, there will be no improvement,” Murty asserted.

She added that being a good teacher requires dedication, constant learning, and effort. “If you want to be a good teacher, there is a price for that. The price is not money, but good training and examinations,” she said.

Murty’s proposal found support from NCP-SCP member Fauzia Khan, who pointed out the gap between the government’s promises and its actual actions. She expressed concern over the declining education budget, stating that while the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions 6% of GDP for education, the government’s allocation has dropped from 3.8% in 2015-16 to 2.5% in 2025-26.

Khan also criticised the lack of funding for early childhood education, highlighting that three lakh schools across India remain ungoverned.

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BSP member Ramji stressed the need for regulating online education, noting that children are increasingly exposed to age-inappropriate content. Meanwhile, CPI member Sandosh Kumar P opposed the imposition of Hindi through the NEP, arguing that all Indian languages must be treated equally.

“All languages are national languages. You won’t find the term ‘regional language’ in the Constitution. Malayalam, Telugu, Oriya, Tamil—every language must be respected,” he stated.

JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha reinforced that language has never been a divisive factor in India, while CPI(M) leader John Brittas called for education to be returned to the state list, reversing the constitutional amendment made during the Emergency.

Murty’s proposal aligns with global best practices, where teacher certification renewals, periodic assessments, and ongoing professional development ensure that educators remain well-equipped to handle evolving classroom challenges.