Did Bengal Guv Authorize Prosecution for School Job Irregularities?
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Synopsis
The West Bengal Governor has approved the prosecution of two key figures in a significant corruption case involving the fraudulent recruitment of primary school teachers. This decision, stemming from a CBI investigation, highlights the ongoing battle against corruption in education. Explore the implications of this move on the state's education system and governance.
Key Takeaways
- Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has sanctioned prosecution against two accused in a recruitment scam.
- The accused include Manik Bhattacharya and Ratna Chakraborty Bagchi.
- The case relates to irregularities in hiring primary teachers in state-run schools.
- The Central Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation.
- The sanction is under the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988.
Kolkata, Nov 18 (NationPress) The Governor of West Bengal, C.V. Ananda Bose, on Tuesday, approved the prosecution of two primary accused individuals named in the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) chargesheet concerning malpractice in the hiring process of primary teachers for state-operated schools.
The accused include Manik Bhattacharya, a legislator from the Trinamool Congress and the former president of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE), along with Ratna Chakraborty Bagchi, the former secretary of WBBPE.
According to a statement released by the Governor's office on Tuesday evening, “The governor has sanctioned prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988 against (1) Manik Bhattacharya, the former President of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education, and (2) Ratna Chakraborty Bagchi, the former Secretary of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education, following a request from the CBI based on their investigation and final report.”
This sanction was granted shortly after the CBI informed a special court in Kolkata that they were still awaiting the Governor's approval to proceed with charges against Bhattacharya and Bagchi.
As per established protocol, obtaining the Governor's sanction for the charges was essential due to their positions in an autonomous state government body.
Such sanctions must be issued within three months of the chargesheet being filed.
The CBI had submitted its fifth and final chargesheet on October 3, which included three additional individuals, namely Bhattacharya, Bagchi, and Bivas Adhikari, identified by the agency as a middleman involved in the recruitment scandal.
In the CBI's final chargesheet, Adhikari was noted to be the president of an association comprising private Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) and Diploma in Elementary Education (DLED) institutions in the Birbhum district. He allegedly exploited this position to facilitate the hiring of candidates as primary teachers in various state-run schools for substantial fees.
Point of View
This story underlines the necessity of accountability in educational institutions. The prosecution of individuals in positions of power for alleged corruption sends a strong message about the commitment to transparency and integrity in West Bengal's governance. NationPress stands firm in advocating for ethical practices within the education sector.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who authorized the prosecution in the school job case?
The prosecution was authorized by West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose.
What is the significance of the prosecution?
It highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the recruitment process for primary teachers in state-run schools.
Who are the accused individuals?
The accused are Manik Bhattacharya and Ratna Chakraborty Bagchi, both former officials of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education.
What legislation is involved in this case?
The case involves the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988.
What role did the CBI play in this case?
The CBI conducted the investigation and submitted the chargesheet that led to the prosecution sanction.
