Approval has been granted for the inclusion of the Maithili language in the Central Teacher Eligibility Test, clearing the way for Maithili-speaking candidates to appear for the examination in their language.
The absence of Maithili from the Central Teacher Eligibility Test had earlier created difficulties for candidates from the Mithilanchal region, despite their eligibility to teach the language at primary and secondary levels. Following the approval of the proposal, Maithili-speaking candidates will now have the opportunity to qualify as teachers through the central examination.
Maithili is listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and is recognised as an ancient language. Until now, it had not been included in the Central Teacher Eligibility Test.
The decision is expected to benefit candidates across the Mithilanchal region, including Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Supaul, Begusarai, Saharsa and Araria. Student organisations, teachers’ associations and social organisations had been seeking the inclusion of Maithili in the examination.
Education sector observers have stated that the move is expected to create additional employment opportunities and promote instruction in the mother tongue at the primary level.
Writers and intellectuals associated with the Maithili language have described the decision as an important development for the preservation, promotion and growth of the language.
It is expected that Maithili will be formally included in the Central Teacher Eligibility Test syllabus and notification, enabling candidates to appear in the subject in future examinations.
