In a significant development unfolding in West Bengal’s education sector, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to thousands of protesting teachers and staff members whose jobs were invalidated by a recent Supreme Court ruling. Speaking from an administrative program in Midnapore, the Chief Minister offered reassurances, urging affected individuals to return to work while the government initiates legal remedies to address the situation.
Chief Minister’s Assurance to the Teaching Community
Addressing the uncertainty and distress felt by thousands of teachers, CM Banerjee made a heartfelt plea. She emphasized that the state government is fully committed to ensuring the well-being of those affected by the Supreme Court’s April 3 verdict, which canceled the appointments of nearly 26,000 teaching and non-teaching personnel recruited in 2016.
Key Statements by CM Mamata Banerjee:
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“You don’t need to worry about who is tainted or untainted. That is the responsibility of the government and the courts.”
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“We assure you that your jobs are safe for now, and you will receive your salaries.”
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“Please return to your schools and resume classes. The children need you.”
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“A review petition will be filed for Group C and D staff to contest the decision in the Supreme Court.”
Banerjee also stressed the need to remain calm and avoid being misled by individuals attempting to politicize or provoke the situation.
Background: Supreme Court Ruling and Impact on Employment
The Supreme Court’s verdict on April 3, 2025, invalidated thousands of appointments made during the 2016 recruitment drive conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC). The Court cited “widespread irregularities” as the reason for its decision, affecting both teaching and non-teaching posts across the state.
Overview of the Situation:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Year | 2016 |
| Affected Staff Categories | Teaching and Non-teaching (Group C & D) |
| Number of Invalidated Appointments | Nearly 26,000 |
| Supreme Court Verdict Date | April 3, 2025 |
| Location of Current Protest | WBSSC Headquarters, Salt Lake |
| Estimated Number of Protesters | Over 2,000 individuals |
Continuing Protest Outside WBSSC Headquarters
Despite the Chief Minister’s assurances, the protest continued for the second consecutive day outside the WBSSC office in Salt Lake. Over 2,000 teachers and staff members, braving the intense summer heat, surrounded the commission headquarters, effectively blocking entry and exit of officials, including WBSSC Chairman Siddhartha Majumdar, who remained inside the building.
Protesters’ Key Demands:
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Immediate publication of the merit list used for recruitment.
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Identification and removal of individuals allegedly hired through bribes.
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Reinstatement of those who were genuinely selected through merit.
The protesters are seeking transparency and justice, calling upon the state government and the WBSSC to take swift action to separate legitimate appointees from those who were illegally recruited.
CM’s Warning Against Provocation and External Influence
CM Banerjee issued a strong warning to the protesters, urging them not to fall prey to any politically motivated elements who may try to instigate further unrest.
“Had I been in Kolkata, I could have solved the issue within seconds. Please do not pay heed to those trying to provoke you. Let the state government handle the matter with responsibility and care.”
Banerjee also drew attention to similar instances in other states such as Uttar Pradesh and Tripura, where people lost their government jobs due to irregularities and have not been reinstated since.
Government’s Next Step: Filing a Review Petition
To provide legal relief to the affected staff, the West Bengal government will be filing a review petition in the Supreme Court, specifically targeting the reinstatement of Group C and D employees. The Chief Minister asked all affected individuals to maintain trust in the government’s actions during this challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why were nearly 26,000 teachers and staff members dismissed from their jobs?
The Supreme Court ruled that the 2016 WBSSC recruitment process involved widespread irregularities, including allegations of bribery and non-merit-based appointments. As a result, the Court invalidated the appointments of nearly 26,000 teaching and non-teaching staff across West Bengal.
2. What assurances has the Chief Minister provided to the dismissed employees?
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has assured that:
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The state government will protect the salaries of the affected employees.
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A review petition will be filed in the Supreme Court for Group C and D staff.
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The government is working to distinguish between merit-based and illegitimate appointments.
3. What are the protesters demanding?
Protesting teachers and staff are demanding:
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Immediate publication of the merit list used in the recruitment process.
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Identification of individuals who secured jobs through bribery or other illegal means.
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Restoration of employment for those who were genuinely appointed based on merit.
4. Is the protest still ongoing?
Yes. As of now, the protest is continuing outside the WBSSC headquarters in Salt Lake. Teachers and staff are refusing to disperse until their demands for transparency and justice are adequately addressed.
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Sachin is a dedicated writer specializing in education, career, and recruitment topics, delivering clear and actionable insights to empower readers.