In response to mounting protests from TET-TAT qualified candidates and youth groups, the Gujarat government has officially withdrawn its controversial circular permitting temporary recruitment of retired teachers in government and grant-in aid schools.
The decision to scrap the move came after widespread criticism that the policy ignored thousands of unemployed, qualified young teachers waiting for standard recruitment opportunities.
Education Minister Praful Pansheriya clarified that the now-withdrawn directive was only intended as an interim solution to address teacher shortages until permanent appointments were made. &ldquo;There was no intention to harm anyone,&rdquo; Pansheriya said. &ldquo;We withdrew the circular to address the concerns raised by eligible candidates.&rdquo;
The original circular allowed retired teachers under the age of 62 to be hired on an honorarium basis, with no additional service or pension benefits. The temporary appointments were to last until permanent or Gyan Sahayak teachers could be recruited.
The move, however, was met with immediate resistance from teacher associations and job aspirants. Digvijaysinh Jadeja, President of the Gujarat State Primary Teachers&rsquo; Association, condemned the plan, noting that similar schemes like Balguru, Vidya Sahayak, and Pravasi Shikshak had already weakened the regular recruitment framework.
He demanded that the government provide age relaxation to TET-TAT candidates and prioritise formal, full-salary recruitment over short-term hiring practices.
Student leader Yuvrajsinh Jadeja also criticised the move, calling it an injustice to educated but unemployed youth. &ldquo;Many candidates cleared TET-TAT but remain jobless. Retired teachers were being chosen instead. This rollback is a win for the youth,&rdquo; he told Benefit News.
The controversy has brought renewed focus to teacher shortages in districts like Chhota Udepur and Dwarka, where recruitment delays have left classrooms understaffed and qualified candidates over-aged.
As the Education Department now reaffirms its commitment to regular teacher recruitment, stakeholders are calling for accountability and stronger policy measures to prevent such missteps in the future.

Gujarat Halts Retired Teacher Recruitment Plan

Govt withdraws circular after protests by TET-TAT aspirants, pledges regular recruitment

Gujarat Halts Retired Teacher Recruitment Plan

Govt withdraws circular after protests by TET-TAT aspirants, pledges regular recruitment

July 28, 2025 | 18:23 IST