NEW DELHI: Sudha Murthy, speaking in Parliament, highlighted the need for teacher training and examinations. She emphasized the importance of evaluating teachers every three years to improve the education system.
She said, “Once they pass BA, B.Ed., or even Ph.D., teachers enter the system. After that, no exams are held until retirement. This should not happen.”
She urged the education department to focus on teacher training programs. Murthy insisted that teachers must undergo exams regularly.
“Every three years, teachers should have a new technique or knowledge examination,” Murty added. “Otherwise, they will not improve.” she adds.
Drawing from her observations, Murthy compared India’s system with others. “I checked many schools abroad. Every three years, teachers appear for exams on different learning methods,” she noted.
She emphasized that teacher evaluation is crucial, especially in primary education. “Between ages 3 to 9 are the formative years. Teachers must train, pass, and guide children effectively,” she said.
Murthy reminded Parliament that teachers play a key role in shaping students. “A bad teacher can spoil an entire batch,” she warned. “If a doctor makes a mistake, one patient is affected. If a magistrate makes an error, one person suffers. But if a teacher makes a mistake, an entire batch is ruined.”
She appreciated the improved salary structure for teachers today. “Primary school teachers now earn well, with salaries between ₹60,000 to ₹70,000,” she acknowledged. “But training and exams must continue every three years.”
Murthy concluded with a powerful statement. “Our ancestors taught us, ‘Acharya Devo Bhava’ — teacher, I salute thee.”
Sudha Murhty was nominated as a Rajya Sabha MP on March 8, 2024, for her contributions to social work and education. She received the Padma Shri in 2006 for her efforts in social service.
