Will Teachers' Protests Against Cash-for-Job Case Reach New Delhi?
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Synopsis
In a significant escalation, West Bengal teachers affected by the Supreme Court's cash-for-job ruling are taking their protests to New Delhi. The push for justice reflects their determination to highlight the injustices faced by untainted educators amidst a controversial recruitment process.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court ruling has significant implications for 25,753 educators.
- Teachers are expanding their protests to New Delhi to advocate for their rights.
- Legal experts warn of potential contempt-of-court issues for the state government.
- The 'Jogyo Shikshak-Shikshika Adhikar Mancha' is leading the protests.
- Teachers demand justice for untainted candidates in recruitment processes.
Kolkata, May 26 (NationPress) Government school educators in West Bengal, who have been rallying against job losses following a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the cash-for-job scandal, are set to escalate their protests to the national capital.
This decision was made public by the teachers, who have come together under the banner of the ‘Jogyo Shikshak-Shikshika Adhikar Mancha (Genuine Teachers’ Rights Forum)’, after a meeting with the state education secretary on Monday.
During the meeting, the forum's representatives voiced their disappointment over the absence of West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu.
They informed the media that they had urged the state education department to halt any notifications or advertisements for new recruitments until the outcomes of the review petition filed by both the state government and the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) are revealed.
Last month, the Supreme Court ordered the termination of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching positions in state-run schools, directing the state government to commence fresh recruitment by May 31.
With only five days remaining until the deadline, the protesting teachers have insisted that the state government should not issue any notifications or advertisements until the review petitions are resolved.
Legal experts warn that if the state government complies with the teachers' demands and refrains from issuing notifications by May 31, it may face a contempt-of-court petition.
Following the meeting, forum representatives announced their plans to expand protests from Kolkata to New Delhi.
“We want the entire nation to be aware of the injustice we have experienced despite being 'untainted.' Thus, we are planning protests in New Delhi alongside our ongoing demonstrations in Kolkata,” stated a representative.
On April 3, a Supreme Court Bench led by then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna upheld a prior ruling by the Calcutta High Court, which annulled 25,753 school appointments made through the WBSSC.
The apex court noted that the panel had to be entirely disbanded due to the authorities' inability to differentiate between 'tainted' and 'untainted' candidates.
The state government and WBSSC have since filed petitions for a review of the order in the Supreme Court.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the plight of these teachers who are advocating for justice amid a critical judicial ruling. Their determination to highlight the injustices they face speaks volumes about the challenges within the education system. The situation warrants careful monitoring as it unfolds on a national stage, reflecting the urgent need for transparency and fairness in recruitment processes.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the protests by teachers in West Bengal?
The protests were triggered by a Supreme Court ruling that annulled the appointments of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff, leading to job losses for numerous educators.
What actions have the protesting teachers taken recently?
The teachers have decided to expand their protests from Kolkata to New Delhi to raise awareness about their situation and demand justice.
What is the 'Jogyo Shikshak-Shikshika Adhikar Mancha'?
It is the forum under which the protesting teachers have united to advocate for their rights and address the injustices they face.
What did the Supreme Court ruling entail?
The Supreme Court ordered the cancellation of numerous job appointments and mandated the state government to initiate fresh recruitment processes by May 31.
What are the potential legal implications for the state government?
If the state government complies with the teachers' demands and refrains from issuing recruitment notifications, it may face a contempt-of-court petition.
