Why Has an Indefinite Cease-Work Started in GTA Schools?
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Synopsis
Teachers in GTA-run schools have initiated an indefinite cease-work following the Calcutta High Court's cancellation of 313 teaching jobs due to recruitment irregularities. This situation raises questions about the accountability of educational authorities and the future of affected educators.
Key Takeaways
- Indefinite cease-work initiated by GTA teachers.
- Calcutta High Court canceled jobs of 313 educators.
- Sanyukta Madhyamik Shikshak Sangathan is leading the protest.
- GTA considering legal action against the ruling.
- Concerns raised over recruitment processes.
Kolkata, Dec 18 (NationPress) An indefinite cease-work has commenced among the educators of 360 schools administered by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), located in the hilly terrains of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong in northern West Bengal starting Thursday. This action follows a ruling from a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court which annulled the employment of 313 teachers.
The court's decision to terminate the teachers' jobs was issued on Wednesday.
The indefinite cease-work was initiated by the Sanyukta Madhyamik Shikshak Sangathan (United Secondary Teachers’ Association), which represents secondary educators from various state-run institutions.
General Secretary Santosh Kharka stated that the cessation of work will persist despite any scheduled examinations or result announcements at any of the 360 GTA-run schools in the hilly regions.
“The issues with recruitment irregularities lie with the West Bengal Education Department and the GTA, which operates autonomously. Why should the teachers face consequences for this? If any GTA-run institution attempts to end this cease-work forcefully, our association will not be held accountable,” he remarked.
In the meantime, the GTA is contemplating appealing to a higher bench of the Calcutta High Court regarding the ruling made by the single-judge bench.
GTA Chief Executive and founder of the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), Anit Thapa, informed the media that he will pursue all possible avenues to secure justice for the 313 teachers dismissed following the court's order.
On Wednesday, Justice Biswajit Basu ruled for the cancellation of the jobs of the 313 teachers in GTA-run schools on the basis of recruitment irregularities, indicating that all these appointments were conducted unlawfully.
Furthermore, the bench instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the West Bengal Police to proceed with their investigations into this matter.
Justice Basu also emphasized that the salaries of the 313 teachers should be halted immediately.
He questioned the rationale behind the state bearing the financial burden of paying salaries to unlawfully appointed teachers.
Justice Basu raised concerns regarding the academic qualifications of the 313 teachers whose appointments were deemed illegal.
Point of View
The ongoing cease-work by GTA teachers highlights systemic issues in educational governance. The court's decision underscores the importance of accountability in staffing decisions, which ultimately affects students and the community at large. As this situation develops, it is crucial to monitor the implications for both educators and the educational landscape in West Bengal.
NationPress
20/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the cease-work in GTA schools?
The cease-work was initiated after the Calcutta High Court canceled the jobs of 313 teachers due to recruitment irregularities.
What is the Sanyukta Madhyamik Shikshak Sangathan?
It is the United Secondary Teachers’ Association, representing secondary teachers in various state-run schools.
What actions is the GTA considering in response to the court's ruling?
The GTA is contemplating appealing to a higher bench of the Calcutta High Court regarding the decision.
How has the GTA leadership responded to the situation?
GTA Chief Executive Anit Thapa has expressed his commitment to seeking justice for the affected teachers.
What are the potential implications of this cease-work?
The cease-work may affect educational continuity in the GTA-run schools and raise questions about the future of the teaching staff.
