Will the Bengal Government Address Job Seekers' Concerns in Primary Schools?
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Synopsis
Job seekers in Kolkata's Salt Lake area are raising their voices against the prolonged delay in teacher recruitment in primary schools. This demonstration sheds light on the urgent need for the West Bengal government to address the vacancies affecting thousands of aspiring educators.
Key Takeaways
- Job seekers are demanding immediate recruitment in primary schools in West Bengal.
- Over 50,000 teacher positions remain unfilled, highlighting a critical employment issue.
- Protests reflect the frustration of qualified candidates waiting for job placements.
- Police action has raised concerns about the treatment of peaceful demonstrators.
- Ongoing protests indicate a need for immediate government intervention in education recruitment.
Kolkata, Aug 19 (NationPress) In a significant demonstration, job seekers urged the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal to commence the recruitment procedure in primary schools, staging a protest in the Salt Lake area of Kolkata on Tuesday.
This protest followed a march that was previously called off by the Unemployed Qualified Teachers Forum, after police detained their convenor, Suman Biswas, under the claim of planned violent actions.
A multitude of youths, all of whom cleared the Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET) in 2022, actively participated in the protest.
The participants voiced their concerns, stating that the state government has not initiated the recruitment process, leaving over 50,000 primary teacher positions unfilled in state-run schools.
The march commenced from outside the metro station in the afternoon, heading towards APC Bhawan, the headquarters of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education.
However, police presence resulted in the detention of protesters, who were placed in prison vans and buses. The altercation between officers and demonstrators caused notable traffic disruptions in the vicinity.
One protester remarked, "We have been deprived of legitimate jobs. We have cleared the exam, yet remain unemployed as the state government has delayed the recruitment process. Numerous positions are vacant. How much longer must we wait?".
In a related event, members of the Students Federation of India (SFI), affiliated with CPI(M), held a protest outside Bikash Bhaban (the headquarters for the state Higher Education Department) in Salt Lake, demanding an immediate commencement of the college admission process and the release of West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) results.
However, large police forces quickly detained SFI members due to the ongoing demonstrations.
Point of View
I observe that the ongoing protests reflect a broader concern regarding employment in the education sector. The call for immediate action from the West Bengal government is crucial not only for those seeking jobs but also for the future of education in the region. It highlights the necessity for government accountability and timely recruitment processes.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the protest in Kolkata?
The protest was triggered by job seekers demanding the West Bengal government to begin the recruitment process for over 50,000 vacant primary teacher positions.
Who participated in the demonstration?
The demonstration saw participation from numerous youths who had cleared the Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET) in 2022.
What was the response of the police during the protest?
Police deployed at the protest site detained several participants, leading to traffic disruptions in the area.
What other protests were happening concurrently?
Simultaneously, members of the Students Federation of India (SFI) protested outside Bikash Bhaban, demanding the commencement of college admissions and the publication of WBJEE results.
How many vacancies are there for primary teachers in West Bengal?
There are over 50,000 vacant primary teacher positions in state-run schools in West Bengal.
