SC permits retention of untainted teachers in Bengal

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

New Delhi, April 17: In a significant ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court allowed untainted assistant teachers, appointed through a flawed recruitment process in West Bengal, to continue teaching in Classes 9-12 until a new selection process is completed.

This decision applies exclusively to those found not involved in any irregularities during the 2016 recruitment.

The Court clarified that while teachers whose appointments were previously canceled due to recruitment issues can continue, this relief only applies to those not found guilty in the investigation of the 2016 appointments.

Also Read- Amit Shah credits CRPF’s role in curbing Naxalism at 86th Raising Day

The Supreme Court set a clear timeline for the Bengal School Service Commission (SSC), ordering it to release new recruitment advertisements by May 31 and to complete the selection process by December 31.

The ruling comes after many teachers lost their jobs due to earlier judicial orders, which had caused disruption in various state-run schools. The SSC and the West Bengal government had appealed for the Court’s intervention to address the staffing crisis in schools.

However, the Supreme Court’s relief does not extend to Group C and D employees, as the number of tainted candidates in these categories was significantly higher.

Also Read- Robert Vadra appears for third day of ED questioning

The Court also warned that if the SSC fails to publish the recruitment advertisements by the end of May, it would take further action, including imposing costs.

This decision follows the Court’s April 3 ruling, which upheld the Calcutta High Court’s verdict to terminate the appointments of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff linked to the school jobs-for-cash scam in 2016.