Are Zone-Wise Interviews Fair for Fresh School-Job Recruitment by WBSSC?
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Synopsis
The West Bengal School Service Commission's decision to conduct zone-wise interviews for teacher recruitment has raised serious questions about fairness. Will this approach ensure equity for all candidates? Join the discussion as educators voice their concerns and advocate for a centralized system.
Key Takeaways
- WBSSC to conduct zone-wise interviews for teacher recruitment.
- Concerns raised about fairness and scoring consistency.
- Advocacy for centralized interviews by the Untainted Teachers’ Rights Forum.
- Five zones proposed for the interviews: southern, northern, eastern, western, and southeastern.
- Supreme Court deadline for recruitment completion is December 31, 2025.
Kolkata, Oct 23 (NationPress) The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) has announced its intention to carry out zone-wise interviews for the recruitment of new teaching staff in state-run schools, sparking concerns regarding the equity of this interview method.
This recruitment drive follows the annulment of 25,753 school positions by the Supreme Court earlier this year.
The written examination for the recruitment of secondary and higher secondary teachers has been completed, and results will be released shortly, paving the way for the interview stage.
The WBSSC supports the zone-wise interview format across five zones, similar to the approach taken in 2016, to expedite the process.
“Given the Supreme Court's mandate to finalize the recruitment by December 31, 2025, we advocate for zone-wise interviews, as a centralized method would be too time-consuming,” stated a WBSSC representative.
The five proposed zones for interviews include southern, northern, eastern, western, and southeastern.
However, teachers who are deemed “untainted,” having lost their jobs like others due to the court's decision, are advocating for a centralized interview process instead of a zone-wise approach.
These “untainted” educators, organized under the Jogyo Shikshak-Shikshika Adhikar Mancha (Untainted Teachers’ Rights Forum), oppose the zone-wise interviews for two main reasons.
Firstly, they argue that since the WBSSC is conducting interviews for upper primary teacher recruitment centrally, the same method should be applied to the recruitment of secondary and higher teachers.
“The commission must maintain consistency in its interview processes across all teaching levels,” asserted a forum representative.
Secondly, they raised concerns about the fairness of zone-wise interviews, suggesting that scoring could vary significantly across zones. “A centralized interview would ensure a uniform scoring system,” the representative added.
Point of View
Consistency is key. The WBSSC's move to implement zone-wise interviews has drawn scrutiny, particularly from those advocating for equality among candidates. It highlights the need for a transparent and uniform approach to ensure that all educators have an equal opportunity, regardless of their region. As we navigate these changes, maintaining integrity in educational recruitment remains paramount.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are zone-wise interviews being conducted?
The WBSSC is conducting zone-wise interviews to expedite the recruitment process, as mandated by the Supreme Court, which directed that the hiring process be completed by December 31, 2025.
What are the concerns with zone-wise interviews?
Critics argue that zone-wise interviews may lead to inconsistencies in scoring and fairness, advocating for a centralized interview process instead.
Who is opposing the zone-wise interviews?
The 'Jogyo Shikshak-Shikshika Adhikar Mancha' (Untainted Teachers’ Rights Forum) represents teachers who have lost jobs and are advocating for a more equitable centralized interview process.
When will the interview process begin?
The interview process will commence shortly after the results of the written examination are announced.
What are the proposed zones for the interviews?
The proposed zones for the interviews include southern, northern, eastern, western, and southeastern regions.
