kolkata

 IIE DIGITAL DESK : May 16, 2025 —  The mounting criticism over the police lathi-charge on agitating teachers outside Bikash Bhawan, the West Bengal Police have issued a formal statement defending their actions, claiming that all standard protocols were followed before force was used to disperse the protest. The police also emphasized that they made efforts to communicate with the demonstrators and respected their sentiments, but were compelled to act when the situation escalated.

The incident occurred on Thursday when hundreds of teachers gathered outside Bikash Bhawan—the headquarters of the state’s Education Department—in Salt Lake, demanding immediate resolution of pending recruitment and salary-related issues. The protest turned tense when demonstrators allegedly tried to break through police barricades and enter the premises without authorization, prompting police intervention.

Visuals from the site showed police personnel using batons to push back protesters, some of whom sustained minor injuries. The scenes sparked outrage on social media, with opposition parties and civil rights groups accusing the state administration of resorting to excessive force against a peaceful protest.

 A senior officer from Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate said on Friday, “We fully understand and respect the concerns raised by the teachers. Our personnel were instructed to maintain restraint. However, when attempts were made to breach the barricades and law and order seemed at risk, minimum necessary force was used. Prior warnings were issued, and the protestors were repeatedly requested to step back.”

The police further clarified that the protesters had not obtained the necessary permissions for a sit-in at the location, and that several alternative sites had been offered for the demonstration. “We were in constant touch with the organisers. Our intention was never to provoke or intimidate. But we also have a responsibility to ensure that administrative buildings remain secure and public order is maintained,” the statement added.

The agitating teachers, many of whom had cleared the State Level Selection Test (SLST) years ago and are still awaiting appointment, expressed anger over the police action. Several among them accused the state of ignoring their plight and using force to silence democratic dissent.

“We were only asking for our rights. Instead of listening to us, the government sent police with lathis. Is this the treatment educators deserve?” said Anindita Ghosh, a protester who claimed she was hit during the scuffle.

Opposition parties, including the BJP and the Left Front, condemned the police action and demanded a judicial inquiry. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari visited some of the injured protesters and accused the Trinamool Congress government of turning West Bengal into a “police state.”

The Education Department said it was reviewing the demands and grievances raised by the teachers and urged them to resume dialogue instead of resorting to street protests. “We remain open to discussion. Violence and confrontation only delay solutions,” a departmental spokesperson said.

This is not the first time teacher recruitment issues have led to unrest in the state. For the past several years, candidates awaiting SLST appointments and contractual teachers have staged repeated protests, citing delayed recruitments, irregular payments, and lack of job security. The government has claimed that legal bottlenecks and administrative verification processes have slowed appointments but assured that eligible candidates will not be denied employment.

 Many view the incident as a reflection of deeper frustrations in the state’s education sector, where recurring protests signal systemic issues yet to be resolved. Whether the government responds with policy changes or continues to treat protests as law-and-order challenges may determine the road ahead.