India

Teacher Recruitment Scam in West Bengal: Calcutta HC Declares Reappointment

On Monday, the Calcutta High Court invalidated all appointments made in the selection of candidates for West Bengal government-sponsored and aided secondary and higher secondary schools via the 2016 recruitment process. The court mandated the School Service Commission (SSC) to carry out new recruitments.

The court additionally mandated that individuals who were unlawfully recruited must reimburse their salaries within six weeks. All appointments made by the SSC for teachers of classes 9, 10, 11, and 12, as well as group-C and D staff positions through the State Level Selection Test-2016 (SLST), which exhibited irregularities, are also nullified. The Calcutta High Court has directed the administration to expedite actions regarding new appointments within the upcoming 15 days.

Furthermore, the court ruled that individuals who were illegitimately hired must refund their salaries within six weeks. All appointments by the SSC for teachers of classes 9, 10, 11, and 12, as well as group-C and D staff positions through the State Level Selection Test-2016 (SLST), where irregularities were detected, are invalidated. The Calcutta High Court has instructed the administration to accelerate the process of new appointments within the next 15 days.

In the course of proceedings, the state of West Bengal established a super-numerical post. In an attempt to accommodate the unlawfully appointed individuals, the state made efforts, though these actions were strictly illegal,” he elaborated. “The Division Bench has instructed for an investigation to determine the originator of the super-numerical post. If necessary, the implicated individual will be apprehended by the CBI.”

The court delivered its verdict following hearings of petitions and appeals concerning purported irregularities in the candidate selection process of the 2016 recruitment drive. A division bench, constituted by the Chief Justice of the High Court under the guidance of the Supreme Court, presided over the proceedings. The hearing concluded on March 20, and the division bench reserved judgment.

The scandal surrounding the teacher recruitment conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) came into prominence following the apprehension of Partha Chatterjee, a prominent figure of the Bengal BJP and a former Trinamool Congress leader who held the position of education minister in Mamata Banerjee’s administration until his arrest on July 23, 2022.

Earlier, on February 16, the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids on individuals closely associated with Partha Chatterjee in Kolkata. Chatterjee’s arrest ensued subsequent to the discovery of Rs 21 crore in cash and jewelry valued at over Rs 1 crore at the Kolkata residence of Arpita Mukherjee, a trusted confidante of the ex-education minister.

Chatterjee and his associate, Arpita Mukherjee, are under investigation regarding the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scandal.

Vishakha Bhardwaj

A journalist known for delivering accurate, engaging, and insightful stories across diverse beats, ranging from politics and sports to business and entertainment. I am also recognized as a content writer and web story developer, combining factual accuracy with creative flair.

Recent Posts

Devender Yadav Vows to Serve as ‘Son of the Soil’ with Commitment to Public Welfare

Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav, accompanied by Jharkhand Minister for Panchayati Raj Dipika Pandey Singh,…

33 minutes ago

Gut Microbes and Hormones: The Hidden Drivers of Your Sweet Tooth

The relationship between gut microbes, hormones, and dietary preferences is a fascinating area of study…

3 hours ago

Environmental Impact of ChatGPT: Linked to Los Angeles Wildfires Debate

AI systems like ChatGPT have been linked to environmental concerns, with reports showing their significant…

4 hours ago

Kathmandu Court Grants Rabi Lamichhane Bail of Rs 6 Million in Fraud Case

Rabi Lamichhane, RSP chief and ex-home minister, secures bail in the Swarnalakshmi Cooperative fraud case…

4 hours ago

Metformin: A Diabetes Drug That May Help Prevent Skin Cancer

Metformin, the widely prescribed drug for managing type 2 diabetes, has recently gained attention for…

4 hours ago

Wildfire Smoke 10 Times More Toxic Than Pollution, Stanford Report Reveals

California wildfires leave destruction in their wake, with Stanford experts warning of the underestimated dangers…

5 hours ago