kolkata

IIE Digital Desk :  In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to annul the 2016 School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment in West Bengal, over 25,000 teaching and non-teaching staff have found themselves jobless. The court's ruling, citing widespread irregularities in the recruitment process, has led to widespread protests and demands for reinstatement without the necessity of reappearing for examinations.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a new recruitment drive to fill the vacated positions, emphasizing that all candidates, including those previously employed, must undergo the selection process anew. While the government has offered age relaxation and consideration of prior experience, many dismissed teachers argue that requalifying for positions they have held for years is unjust. They contend that they were not involved in any wrongdoing and should not be penalized for systemic failures.

Amidst this turmoil, a faction of the affected teachers is seeking an audience with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Alipurduar. They hope to present their case directly to the Prime Minister, expressing their grievances and seeking his intervention. Efforts are underway to secure a brief meeting, with appeals made to local BJP leaders and the district administration. However, confirmation of such an engagement remains pending.

The protesting teachers have also expressed dissatisfaction with the state government's handling of the situation. They have criticized the lack of direct engagement from key officials, including the Education Minister, and have raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the proposed recruitment process. Legal avenues are being explored, with discussions around filing a review petition in the Supreme Court to challenge the blanket cancellation of appointments. 

The situation remains tense, with the teachers' future hanging in the balance. Their plea for justice underscores the broader issues of accountability and transparency in public recruitment processes. As they await a response from the Prime Minister and further developments from the state government, the affected educators continue their protests, seeking a resolution that acknowledges their service and upholds their rights.