West Bengal Teachers Demand Transparency in Recruitment Scandal
More than 2,000 teachers, stripped of their positions following a Supreme Court ruling, persisted with their overnight demonstration outside the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) office in Salt Lake. The protesters are pressing for the release of a list distinguishing candidates hired on merit from those who allegedly secured jobs through bribes.
The Supreme Court, on April 3, nullified the appointments of approximately 26,000 teaching and non-teaching staff from the 2016 recruitment process, citing “widespread irregularities.”
One demonstrator declared, “The WBSSC must face consequences. We’ve been here under the open sky since yesterday evening and will remain until our demands are met.”
State Education Minister Bratya Basu, after discussions with affected teachers, had promised the release of a list separating “deserving” from “undeserving” candidates within two weeks. However, when the WBSSC failed to deliver on this commitment by Monday evening, despite further talks with teacher representatives, the sit-in protest commenced.
WBSSC chairman Siddhartha Majumdar, who spent the night in his office, issued a statement affirming compliance with the Supreme Court’s April 3 directive. “The SSC will adhere to the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court regarding the 2016 teacher recruitment,” he said, adding that salaries for teachers who have served would continue under the current system. He made no mention of the demanded list.
Basu, meanwhile, called on the protesters to remain patient while the state government prepares a review petition for the Supreme Court. Late Monday, he cautioned that publishing the requested list could lack legal validity, based on advice from legal experts. “Please wait for the government to file the review petition. We must follow the guidelines,” he said, urging the teachers to disperse and warning that some were exploiting their plight.
Basu assured that teachers deemed deserving would receive salaries until the academic session ends on December 31, per the Supreme Court’s instructions.
BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay criticized Basu, accusing him of misleading the teachers. “The candidates seek transparency in the recruitment process. Distinguishing between tainted and untainted candidates does not risk contempt of court. I urge the teachers to continue their peaceful protest until justice is served,” he said.
The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front, known for leading protests over the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case last year, has voiced solidarity with the demonstrating teachers.