Is the WBSSC Jobs Case Challenging the Bengal Govt's Stipend for Non-Teaching Staff Legal?
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Synopsis
A recent challenge in the Calcutta High Court questions the legality of a stipend scheme for non-teaching staff in West Bengal, following Supreme Court directives. As multiple petitions emerge, the state's financial support plan faces scrutiny. Will this lead to a significant legal battle?
Key Takeaways
- New petition filed at Calcutta High Court against stipend scheme.
- Stipend amounts: ₹25,000 for Group-C and ₹20,000 for Group-D.
- Hearing scheduled for June 9.
- Scheme introduced in response to job losses.
- Supreme Court ruling upheld against WBSSC appointments.
Kolkata, June 3 (NationPress) A new petition has been submitted to the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday, contesting the West Bengal government's announcement regarding a monthly stipend for non-teaching personnel categorized under Group-C and Group-D. This financial assistance was aimed at those who lost their positions in state-run educational institutions following a Supreme Court ruling.
The petitioners argue that utilizing public funds to support employees who lost their jobs due to a Supreme Court decision is unlawful.
This latest petition has been accepted and is scheduled for a hearing in the upcoming vacation bench on June 9.
Notably, this marks the third petition addressing this issue at the Calcutta High Court. On May 26, a public interest litigation (PIL) was lodged and accepted by a division bench comprising Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das. The PIL's hearing will only take place once the High Court resumes its normal operations after the summer recess.
Earlier in May, a similar case was also filed and subsequently accepted by a single-judge bench led by Justice Amrita Sinha.
In response to the situation, the West Bengal government recently issued a notification introducing a new scheme through the state Labour Department. Under the 'West Bengal Livelihood and Special Security Interim Scheme', Group-C employees are set to receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000, while those in the Group-D category will be allotted ₹20,000 monthly.
When unveiling the scheme, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that it was designed to counteract the tendencies of certain individuals and vested interests who frequently file public interest litigations against government decisions in the Calcutta High Court.
However, with three consecutive petitions now submitted to the court, the state government's aim to sidestep legal disputes over the scheme has not materialized.
On April 3, the Supreme Court upheld a Calcutta High Court ruling that invalidated 25,753 school appointments made through the WBSSC, emphasizing that the panel needed to be dissolved entirely due to the authorities' inability to differentiate between 'tainted' and 'untainted' candidates.
In response, both the state government and the WBSSC have filed review petitions with the Supreme Court, seeking a re-evaluation of this ruling.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this matter with a balanced perspective. The legal challenges faced by the West Bengal government's stipend scheme raise significant questions about public spending and accountability. While the intent to support those affected by job losses is commendable, the legality of such financial assistance in light of Supreme Court directives cannot be overlooked. This situation highlights the delicate balance between government action and judicial oversight, an issue that is pertinent to our democratic framework.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recent petition about?
The recent petition challenges the West Bengal government's stipend scheme for non-teaching staff who lost their jobs following a Supreme Court order, questioning the legality of using public funds for this purpose.
How much is the stipend for Group-C and Group-D staff?
Under the new scheme, Group-C staff are entitled to a monthly stipend of ₹25,000, while Group-D staff can receive ₹20,000.
When will the hearing for the petition take place?
The hearing for the petition is scheduled for June 9 at the vacation bench of the Calcutta High Court.
What prompted the government to introduce this stipend scheme?
The scheme was introduced in response to frequent public interest litigations against government decisions and to support non-teaching staff affected by recent job losses.
What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding the WBSSC appointments?
The Supreme Court upheld a ruling that annulled 25,753 school appointments made through the WBSSC, stating the need to dissolve the panel due to poor candidate distinction.
