Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a new plan to help teachers in government schools who have been labeled as “tainted” due to corruption. These teachers were found to have secured jobs by paying money, making them ineligible for future recruitment. Mamata Banerjee made the statement during a Teachers’ Day event on Thursday, just before Teachers’ Day on Friday.
The Chief Minister assured that her government is working on providing alternative job options for these teachers. She explained that, although they won’t be able to continue as teachers, efforts are underway to offer them positions as non-teaching staff in the same schools. “We will look at this situation with compassion and try to help them find other jobs,” she said.
This announcement comes after the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) released a list of 1,806 teachers who are considered “tainted.” Many of these teachers had been working for years, some even over a decade, but lost their eligibility due to earning jobs through improper means.
Mamata Banerjee also shared that the recruitment process for new, eligible teachers is already underway. People who qualify can apply, regardless of age, as the government has relaxed age limits for them. Those who pass the upcoming exams can rejoin as teachers within two to three months. Additionally, the government plans to start hiring for non-teaching group C and D staff, including those who have served for many years but are now past the age limit.
During her speech, Mamata Banerjee criticized some groups who file court cases to delay or halt recruitment processes. She expressed concern about teachers losing their jobs due to legal battles but emphasized that her government aims to ensure employment stability.
However, her announcement has not been well received by opposition parties and some teachers. Critics claim that Mamata Banerjee’s real intention is to protect “tainted” candidates who got jobs through illegal payments. The move has sparked debate on transparency and fairness in school recruitment.
As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see how these new employment plans will impact teachers and education in West Bengal.
