Will the HC Rule Today on the WBSSC Job Case Challenging the Stipend Decision by Bengal Government?

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Will the HC Rule Today on the WBSSC Job Case Challenging the Stipend Decision by Bengal Government?

Synopsis

The Calcutta High Court is poised to announce a significant ruling concerning a petition that challenges the West Bengal government's stipend scheme for non-teaching staff affected by job losses. As tensions rise, the implications of this decision could reshape the future for these employees and set a precedent for similar cases across the country.

Key Takeaways

  • Calcutta High Court will announce a ruling soon.
  • Petition challenges the West Bengal stipend scheme.
  • Stipend amounts are Rs 25,000 for Group-C and Rs 20,000 for Group-D.
  • Legal disputes are ongoing regarding the government's decisions.
  • Supreme Court ruling previously invalidated numerous school appointments.

Kolkata, June 20 (NationPress) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court is set to issue a ruling on Friday regarding a petition that contests the West Bengal government's notification to provide a monthly stipend to non-teaching personnel in Group-C and Group-D categories who lost their positions in state-run schools after a Supreme Court ruling in April.

The proceedings concluded last week at the bench of Justice Amrita Sinha.

On June 9, Justice Sinha instructed the state government verbally to refrain from initiating stipend payments to the non-teaching staff until a final order is issued.

She raised questions about the rationale behind the state government's decision to offer stipends to non-teaching employees who were impacted by the Supreme Court ruling, as well as the methodology used to determine the stipend amounts. Additionally, she inquired whether there have been previous instances where the state government compensated former employees with stipends.

Justice Sinha also questioned what benefits the state government would derive from providing stipends to these non-teaching staff members.

Last month, the West Bengal government announced a new scheme through the state's Labour Department. Under the "West Bengal Livelihood and Special Security Interim Scheme," Group-C staff who lost their jobs will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 25,000, whereas those in Group-D will receive Rs 20,000 each month.

While launching the scheme, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that it was developed within the Labour Department due to the tendencies of certain individuals and vested interests to file public interest litigations at the Calcutta High Court challenging state decisions.

Nevertheless, legal disputes have arisen following multiple petitions filed against this notification.

On April 3, the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's ruling that invalidated 25,753 school appointments made through the WBSSC, noting that the panel had to be completely disbanded due to the failure to differentiate between "tainted" and "untainted" candidates.

Both the state government and the WBSSC have since submitted review petitions to the Supreme Court, seeking a reevaluation of the order.

Point of View

It is vital to recognize the complexities surrounding the WBSSC job case. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the delicate balance between governmental support for unemployed individuals and the need for accountability in public service appointments. The outcome of this case could significantly impact not only the affected employees but also set a precedent for future labor policies in the region.
NationPress
20/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the West Bengal stipend scheme for non-teaching staff?
The scheme provides monthly stipends to Group-C and Group-D non-teaching staff who lost their jobs in state-run schools due to a Supreme Court ruling.
Who will be eligible for the stipend?
The stipend is designed for non-teaching staff in Group-C and Group-D categories who were terminated after the Supreme Court's order in April.
What are the stipend amounts for Group-C and Group-D staff?
Group-C staff are entitled to Rs 25,000 per month, while Group-D staff will receive Rs 20,000 monthly.
What prompted the legal challenges against the stipend scheme?
Legal challenges arose due to concerns over the government's decision-making process and the principles of providing stipends to job-losing employees.
What was the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the school appointments?
The Supreme Court upheld a ruling that annulled over 25,000 school appointments made through the WBSSC due to improper candidate evaluations.