Will Untainted Teachers Protest Intensively from Thursday?
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Synopsis
Teachers in West Bengal are escalating their protests after losing jobs due to a Supreme Court ruling. As frustrations grow, the <b>“Genuine Teachers’ Rights Forum”</b> plans a more aggressive demonstration starting Thursday. The community is urged to join the movement, as tensions rise over job cancellations affecting thousands.
Key Takeaways
- Protests escalating as teachers demand justice.
- Genuine Teachers’ Rights Forum plays a crucial role in advocacy.
- Call for transparency from education authorities.
- Supreme Court ruling impacts thousands of educators.
- Community involvement is encouraged in the protests.
Kolkata, May 12 (NationPress) The “untainted” or “genuine” secondary and higher secondary teachers in West Bengal, who lost their positions following a Supreme Court ruling last month, are set to escalate their protests in front of the state education department's headquarters located in Salt Lake, on the northern fringes of Kolkata starting Thursday.
These “untainted” educators, banded together under the forum named “Jogyo Shikhok-Shikkika Adhikar Mancha (Genuine Teachers’ Rights Forum)”, have been conducting a peaceful sit-in demonstration outside the state education department's headquarters since May 7, advocating for the immediate release of lists distinguishing “untainted” teachers from their “tainted” counterparts.
However, on Monday, the forum issued a press release announcing their intention to stage a more vigorous demonstration starting Thursday, which will involve a “ghearo” protest, effectively cordoning off the office from all directions.
As per the press statement, forum representatives have attempted to meet with state Education Minister Bratya Basu since May 7, but have yet to receive any encouraging response from the minister's office. In light of this, they have resolved to organize a “gherao” demonstration in front of the state education department's office on May 15, 2025.
The forum has also extended an invitation to the general public to join their protests on Thursday.
On April 3 of this year, a division bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, upheld a prior ruling by the Calcutta High Court's division bench, which annulled 25,753 school jobs in West Bengal.
The apex court concurred with the Calcutta High Court's view that the entire panel of 25,753 candidates had to be disqualified due to the state government's and the commission's inability to differentiate between the “untainted” candidates and the “tainted” ones.
The West Bengal government and the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) have filed review petitions at the Supreme Court regarding this matter.
"The state government should provide us with updates on the progress concerning the review petition," the forum's press statement declared.
Point of View
The ongoing situation regarding the teachers in West Bengal highlights significant systemic issues within state governance and educational policies. The need for transparency and accountability is paramount, and as these protests unfold, it is essential for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue that prioritizes the rights and welfare of educators.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the protests?
The protests stem from a Supreme Court ruling that led to the cancellation of 25,753 school jobs in West Bengal, impacting many teachers who are seeking to clarify their status as either tainted or untainted.
What is the 'Genuine Teachers’ Rights Forum'?
The 'Genuine Teachers’ Rights Forum' is a collective of untainted teachers in West Bengal formed to advocate for their rights and demand transparency from the education authorities.
When and where are the protests scheduled?
The protests are scheduled to begin on Thursday at the headquarters of the state education department in Salt Lake, Kolkata.
How many teachers have been affected by the Supreme Court ruling?
A total of 25,753 school jobs have been cancelled due to the Supreme Court ruling, affecting a significant number of teachers.
What do the protesters demand?
The protesters demand the immediate publication of lists distinguishing untainted teachers from tainted ones, and accountability from the state government regarding the job cancellations.
