On April 3, 2025, the Supreme Court of India upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision to annul the appointments of over 25,000 teaching and non-teaching staff made by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) in 2016. The apex court cited "widespread irregularities" and "manipulations and frauds on a large scale" in the recruitment process, rendering the selection process "beyond repair and partial redemption." ​

The Protests Begin

In response to the verdict, over 2,000 affected teachers and staff initiated an indefinite sit-in protest outside the WBSSC headquarters in Salt Lake, Kolkata. The protesters are demanding the publication of a list distinguishing candidates who were recruited based on merit from those who allegedly secured jobs through bribery. They accuse the commission of consistently lying and failing to maintain transparency in the recruitment process. ​

Demands and Accusations

The agitating teachers have vowed to continue their protest until justice is served. They have blocked entry and exit points of the WBSSC office, preventing officials, including Chairman Siddhartha Majumdar, from leaving the premises. The protesters have also stated that they will not allow any food items into the building, emphasizing that if they are forced to starve on the streets, those inside should also feel the heat. ​

Government's Response

State Education Minister Bratya Basu has urged the protesting teachers to wait until the state government files a review petition with the Supreme Court. He mentioned that legal experts have advised against publishing the list of "deserving and undeserving" candidates, which has been a primary demand of the protesters. However, this stance has been criticized by opposition leaders, who accuse the government of attempting to misguide the teachers. ​

Impact on the Education System

The annulment of these appointments has left thousands of teachers jobless, affecting their livelihoods and the state's education system. Many of the affected teachers have served for several years and now face uncertainty regarding their future. The situation has also led to disruptions in schools, with a shortage of teaching staff impacting students' education.​

Conclusion

The ongoing protests by the sacked teachers highlight the deep-rooted issues in the WBSSC's recruitment process. The demand for transparency and justice continues to grow louder as the affected individuals seek redressal for their grievances. The state government's response and the outcome of the proposed review petition will play a crucial role in resolving this crisis.

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