What is the Bengal govt’s new scheme for non-teaching staff losing jobs?
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Synopsis
The West Bengal government has launched a new scheme to support non-teaching staff in state-run schools facing job losses due to a Supreme Court ruling. The initiative provides monthly stipends to affected employees, aiming to alleviate financial distress while legal matters are addressed. Learn more about this significant development and its implications.
Key Takeaways
- Monthly stipends for Group-C and Group-D non-teaching staff.
- The scheme aims to alleviate financial stress from job losses.
- Stipends begin from April 1 and continue until legal issues are resolved.
- Legal challenges are already emerging against the scheme.
- Support from the state government amid ongoing legal disputes.
Kolkata, May 23 (NationPress) The West Bengal labour department has recently announced a significant initiative aimed at supporting non-teaching personnel in state-run educational institutions. This initiative is specifically for those categorized under Group-C and Group-D, who have faced job losses due to a recent Supreme Court ruling. The financial assistance will be provided through a monthly stipend sourced from the state budget.
This new program, named ‘West Bengal Livelihood and Special Security Interim Scheme’, received approval during a state cabinet meeting held on May 14, with the official notification issued by the labour department following shortly after.
Eligible Group-C personnel will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 25,000, while Group-D staff will obtain Rs 20,000 each month. Those qualifying for this scheme will begin receiving their stipends retroactively from April 1 of this year, and payments will continue until the legal disputes surrounding their employment termination are settled.
Earlier this month, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clarified that this scheme was established under the state labour department's authority, due to tendencies of certain individuals and vested interests to challenge state government decisions through public interest litigations in the Calcutta High Court.
However, a petition has already been filed at the Calcutta High Court’s single-judge bench led by Justice Amrita Sinha, contesting the legality of this scheme and labeling the stipend payments as unlawful. Justice Sinha’s bench has accepted the petition for review.
On April 3, the Supreme Court’s division bench, consisting of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, upheld an earlier ruling from the Calcutta High Court that annulled 25,753 school positions in West Bengal.
The apex court acknowledged the Calcutta High Court's assessment that the entire list of 25,753 candidates had to be invalidated due to the state government and the commission's inability to distinguish between “untainted” and “tainted” candidates.
Both the state government and the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) have filed review petitions regarding this matter at the Supreme Court.
Point of View
I believe this initiative reflects the West Bengal government's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its education sector workforce. However, the legal challenges presented may complicate the implementation of this scheme. It is essential to monitor the developments in court and the responses from those affected to ensure transparency and fairness in this process.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new scheme?
The scheme aims to provide financial support through monthly stipends to non-teaching staff in state-run schools who have lost their jobs due to a Supreme Court ruling.
How much stipend will the Group-C and Group-D staff receive?
Group-C staff will receive Rs 25,000 per month, while Group-D staff will receive Rs 20,000 per month.
When will the stipends start being paid?
The stipends will be paid retroactively from April 1 of this year and will continue until the legal issues are resolved.
What legal challenges is the scheme facing?
A petition has been filed in the Calcutta High Court challenging the legality of the scheme, labeling the stipend payments as illegal.
What led to the job losses in the first place?
The job losses were a result of a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the cancellation of 25,753 school jobs in West Bengal due to procedural failures in candidate selection.
