Why Are Applicants for WBSSC Teaching Jobs So Low?
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Synopsis
Despite extending the application deadline for teaching jobs with WBSSC, the number of applicants remains disappointing. With only four days left, many are questioning the reasons behind the low turnout, particularly in light of past controversies.
Key Takeaways
- Application numbers are significantly low.
- Deadline extended due to low turnout.
- 35,726 teacher positions available.
- Supreme Court's decision impacted recruitment.
- Corruption concerns influencing applicant interest.
Kolkata, July 17 (NationPress) With only four days remaining before the extended application deadline closes for the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC)’s new recruitment drive for teaching positions, the current number of online applications is notably low. This is in stark contrast to 2016 when the last recruitment for secondary and higher secondary teachers took place.
The necessity for this fresh recruitment stems from the Supreme Court's decision in April to cancel 25,753 school jobs, all of which were from the 2016 panel.
An insider from the state education department revealed that the original deadline for application submission was set for midnight on July 14. However, due to the alarmingly low number of applications—less than five lakh as of midnight on July 13—the commission opted to extend the deadline until July 21.
As it stands, with just four days left before the new deadline of July 21 at midnight, the total number of applicants has reached approximately six lakh. This figure is merely one-fourth of the 22 lakh applications received in 2016 during the previous recruitment.
The current recruitment drive aims to fill 35,726 assistant teacher positions, with 23,212 allocated for the secondary section and the remaining 12,514 for the higher secondary section.
While officials from the state education department remain tight-lipped regarding the reasons behind this lack of interest among applicants, the “untainted” teachers from the 2016 panel, who also lost their jobs, believe that the Supreme Court's cancellation of numerous school jobs in April is a contributing factor.
Mehboob Mondal, a prominent figure in the movement advocating for “untainted” teachers and an office-bearer of the “Jogyo Shikshak-Shikshika Adhikar Mancha (Untainted Teachers’ Rights Forum),” stated, “Firstly, the recruitment process was marred by significant corruption, with many securing teaching positions through monetary means. Secondly, even the ‘untainted’ candidates lost their jobs alongside the ‘tainted’ ones because the state government failed to publish lists that differentiated between them. Consequently, the government has been representing ‘tainted’ candidates. These developments are likely to deter honest and dedicated aspiring teachers from engaging in the recruitment process.”
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this situation with a balanced perspective. The low applicant turnout for WBSSC teaching jobs raises questions about systemic issues within the recruitment process. Understanding the implications on the education sector and addressing the concerns of both 'untainted' and 'tainted' candidates is essential for fostering trust and transparency.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current application status for WBSSC?
As of now, approximately six lakh applications have been received for the WBSSC teaching recruitment, which is significantly lower than the 22 lakh applications from the last recruitment in 2016.
Why was the application deadline extended?
The deadline was extended due to a low number of applications, which was below five lakh as of the initial deadline.
How many positions are available in the current recruitment?
The current recruitment aims to fill 35,726 assistant teacher positions, with allocations for both secondary and higher secondary sections.
What led to the cancellation of previous school jobs?
The Supreme Court canceled 25,753 school jobs in April, impacting candidates from the 2016 recruitment panel.
What concerns do 'untainted' teachers have?
Many 'untainted' teachers express concerns about corruption in the recruitment process and the lack of differentiation between 'untainted' and 'tainted' candidates.
