Why is AISF Protesting for Teacher Recruitment and Student Elections in Kolkata?
Synopsis
In a pressing demand for immediate teacher recruitment and the organization of student elections in West Bengal's educational institutions, AISF members took to the streets near Bikash Bhavan. This protest highlights the critical needs of students and the education system amidst ongoing government challenges.
Key Takeaways
Urgent need for teacher recruitment in West Bengal's state-run schools.
Massive cancellation of teaching jobs due to corruption highlights systemic issues.
Protests reflect student dissatisfaction with current governance and representation.
Judicial intervention emphasizes the importance of democratic processes in education.
Students' safety and election transparency are critical for the integrity of educational institutions.
Kolkata, July 25 (NationPress) – In a strong appeal for the recruitment of teachers in government schools and the conduct of students' union elections in West Bengal's colleges and universities, the students' wing of the All India Secular Front (AISF) organized protest demonstrations on Friday near Bikash Bhavan, the headquarters of the state education department located in the Salt Lake area on the outskirts of Kolkata.
Members of the organization expressed their discontent towards the West Bengal government for exacerbating the teacher shortage crisis in state-run schools, with the cancellation of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching jobs following a Supreme Court ruling that highlighted severe corruption in the recruitment process.
"Government schools are enduring a significant lack of teachers. Hence, immediate appointments to vacant positions are imperative. Moreover, the safety of students in educational institutions must be prioritized," stated one of the participants.
Due to the absence of police permission for their protest, AISF members assembled outside the Karunamayee metro station with banners and placards. Upon attempting to commence their protest march, they faced detainment by a considerable police presence aimed at preventing the march. The members were subsequently released from local police stations, although a minor altercation occurred between law enforcement and the protesters.
"Students' council elections must be conducted without delay. The lack of regular elections is suppressing democratic voices within state colleges and universities, particularly by the students’ wing of the ruling Trinamool Congress," remarked another protester.
Earlier this month, the Calcutta High Court instructed the West Bengal government to expedite the overdue students’ council elections across all colleges and universities. This directive came from the division bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das, urging the state government to issue notifications for college elections promptly.
During hearings concerning the recent South Kolkata Law College rape incident, the Calcutta High Court emphasized that all union and common rooms should be closed in light of this incident.
Point of View
The AISF's protest underscores a critical need for reform in West Bengal's education system. The cancellation of thousands of teaching positions raises serious concerns about the quality of education and student well-being. It is essential for the government to address these issues promptly to ensure that the educational framework supports democracy and student safety.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the AISF protest in Kolkata?
The AISF protest was triggered by the demand for the recruitment of teachers in state-run schools and the holding of students' union elections in colleges and universities. This comes after a Supreme Court ruling canceled over 25,000 teaching jobs due to corruption.
Why are students calling for elections in colleges?
Students are calling for elections to ensure democratic representation and to prevent the stifling of student voices by the ruling party's influence in state colleges and universities.
What did the Calcutta High Court say about students' council elections?
The Calcutta High Court directed the West Bengal government to complete pending students' council elections across all colleges and universities as soon as possible.
