A fresh controversy has erupted in Jharkhand over the language policy for the long-pending Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (JTET). In a pointed letter to CM Hemant Soren, BJP state chief Aditya Sahu has charged the administration with discriminatory practices in designating regional languages.
For the past 10 years, JTET has been stalled, and the High Court has set a firm deadline of March 2026 for its execution. Sahu lambasted the proposed rules for arbitrarily picking languages, particularly favoring Odia and Bengali in border districts while sidelining others.
He specifically called out the exclusion of Bhojpuri, Magahi, Angika, Kurmali, and Maithili in key districts such as Palamu, Garhwa, Latehar, Deoghar, Godda, and Sahibganj—regions with substantial speakers of these tongues bordering Bihar.
‘This double standard risks polarizing communities and distracting from core issues like recurring exam disruptions and graft,’ Sahu wrote, emphasizing the youth’s plight.
Urging a comprehensive overhaul, the BJP MP insisted on including all prevalent local languages to reflect Jharkhand’s multicultural fabric. He appealed for directives ensuring equitable access to teaching jobs.
The letter underscores broader challenges in Jharkhand’s education sector, plagued by vacancies and delays. With teacher recruitment critical for improving school standards, any policy misstep could have lasting repercussions.
Government sources indicate the rules are still in draft form, open to inputs. However, Sahu’s intervention has amplified calls for inclusive policymaking, potentially influencing the final framework.
As political rhetoric heats up, stakeholders await the CM’s response, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes merit and regional harmony over partisan lines.