Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Supreme Court Verdict on Teacher Appointments

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced her disagreement with the Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold the termination of approximately 25,000 teaching and non-teaching staff appointments made by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) in 2016. The apex court deemed the selection process "vitiated and tainted" due to widespread irregularities.

Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Supreme Court Verdict on Teacher Appointments

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Banerjee expressed her respect for the judiciary but stated her inability to support the judgment. She emphasized that while the court has canceled these appointments, it has also ruled that the affected employees are not required to refund any salaries received. 

Banerjee expressed her respect for the judiciary

The Supreme Court's decision aligns with the Calcutta High Court's earlier verdict, which annulled the appointments citing serious irregularities such as OMR sheet tampering and rank manipulation. The high court had directed that those appointed beyond the officially available vacancies, after the expiry of the recruitment period, or despite submitting blank OMR sheets, must return all salaries and benefits received, along with 12 percent interest. 

Banerjee questioned the blanket dismissal of all candidates, asserting that not all appointees were guilty of wrongdoing. She drew a comparison to the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting that despite significant irregularities, not all individuals were penalized. She alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to destabilize West Bengal's education system through such actions.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the Supreme Court's directive for a fresh selection process and assured compliance. She stated that the West Bengal government would ensure the School Service Commission, an autonomous body, completes the reappointment process within the stipulated three-month period. 

This development has sparked political debates, with opposition parties criticizing the Trinamool Congress government for the recruitment anomalies. The BJP has demanded Banerjee's resignation, holding her accountable for the situation. 

The Supreme Court's ruling underscores the necessity for transparent and fair recruitment processes in the education sector, aiming to uphold the integrity of public institutions and ensure deserving candidates are appointed based on merit.