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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, April 7, 2025, Kolkata : The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education has approached the Supreme Court with a plea seeking a modification of the court’s recent verdict, which led to the dismissal of 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff in government-run and aided schools. The Board requested that the “eligible” among those dismissed be allowed to continue working until the academic year ends or until a new recruitment process is conducted, following assurances from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to protect the jobs of those deemed qualified.
The plea comes after Mamata Banerjee addressed the dismissed staff at Netaji Indoor Stadium, assuring them that no eligible candidates would lose their jobs. The Chief Minister emphasized that her government would take legal recourse to resolve the issue, requesting clarification from the Supreme Court on how to handle those currently employed, given the court’s directive to conduct fresh recruitment.
The Supreme Court’s verdict last week invalidated the appointments of the 25,753 candidates, labeling the selection process as “vitiated and tainted.” While the state government expressed its commitment to resolving the matter, Mamata Banerjee clarified that those deemed eligible could continue working voluntarily until the legal process is completed. “Mistakes may happen. The government will seek clarification from the court. If you are eligible, you can continue your service,” she told the teachers.
However, Mamata’s assurance was met with sharp criticism from the opposition, particularly from BJP leaders. BJP’s Bengal unit president, Sukanta Majumdar, accused the Chief Minister of engaging in “lollipop politics” and distracting the public from larger corruption issues. He criticized her for disregarding the Supreme Court’s decision, stating, “If you can’t abide by Indian laws, go to Bangladesh.” Majumdar further alleged that the recruitment process was marred by corruption, benefiting the rich and powerful while ignoring the needs of the underprivileged.
BJP leader Locket Chatterjee, who was detained by police while attempting to lead a protest march against the state government’s handling of the issue, echoed these sentiments. He called Mamata’s meeting with the teachers a “drama” and criticized her failure to separate eligible from ineligible candidates, as instructed by the court. “If Mamata Banerjee had taken action earlier, these 26,000 teachers wouldn’t have lost their jobs,” he said.
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress leaders defended Mamata’s actions, with MP Sagarika Ghose praising the Chief Minister as a “true mass leader” who always prioritizes the people. She contrasted Mamata’s approach with the Center’s alleged indifference to issues like farmer protests and paper leaks.
As tensions between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP escalate, the state’s teaching and non-teaching staff continue to demand justice. In response, Mamata Banerjee assured that her government would explore all legal avenues to address the crisis and promised that no one would lose their job without a fair process. She added that the state would take proactive steps to ensure the smooth continuation of the education system while awaiting the Supreme Court’s clarification.
The situation remains fluid, with both political parties intensifying their respective campaigns, while the affected teachers and staff brace for a potential resolution in the coming months.
