UP chief minister seeks NCTE approval to let protesting teacher aspirants sit exams after a break

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath told secondary education minister Gulab Devi to write to the National Council for Teacher Education asking for a provision that lets the students on protest be allowed to take competitive exams after a set waiting period. The demand comes as TGT‑PGT exam hopefuls have been holding an open‑ended sit‑in at the Education Directorate in Prayagraj, pressing for the old recruitment rules to be reinstated. Speaking at an appointment‑letter ceremony organized by the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission, Adityanath said teachers play a unique role that cannot be filled by administrators or police officers. He added that the current stagnant system hurts the confidence of young candidates. He urged the minister to seek a temporary arrangement so that the protesters get a chance to appear for the exams. The protest aims to reverse recent changes that tightened eligibility for teaching posts. In other education news, the government reported that 933 schools in West Bengal have been closed because no students enrolled, and officials are weighing options to reopen them. Meanwhile, Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary announced a major drive to boost both the education and energy sectors in his state.