Allowance for SSC Group C & D Staff: State Government Faces Tough Questions from High Court
The hearing in the Calcutta High Court regarding the decision to grant a special allowance to the dismissed Group C and Group D staff has concluded, but the verdict has been reserved. Justice Amrita Sinha has raised several critical questions about the transparency of the state government’s decision, placing the move under intense judicial scrutiny. This scheme, officially named the “West Bengal Livelihood and Social Security Interim Scheme, 2025”, has now run into fresh legal complexities.
The High Court Hearing and the Judge’s Queries
In the recent hearing, Justice Sinha sought clear answers from the state government’s counsel on multiple aspects. The court primarily wanted to understand the rationale and methodology behind this financial assistance.
The main questions raised by the court are:
- Basis of Compensation: On what basis was the allowance amount of ₹25,000 for Group C and ₹20,000 for Group D staff determined?
- Number of Beneficiaries: How many laid-off employees are set to be covered under this scheme?
- Past Precedents: Are there any past instances of providing similar financial assistance?
- Alternative Employment: Besides the allowance, has the state considered arranging any alternative work for these individuals? The judge questioned, “Will they sit at home and receive money?”
- Impact of Supreme Court’s Ruling: If the pending review petition in the Supreme Court goes against the state government, will this allowance be discontinued, or will it continue?
The State Government’s Allowance Scheme: At a Glance
The Government of West Bengal has introduced this scheme as an interim relief measure on humanitarian grounds for the Group C and Group D staff who lost their jobs following the Supreme Court’s order. The scheme has been made effective from April 1, 2025.
- Scheme Name: West Bengal Livelihood and Social Security Interim Scheme, 2025.
- Objective: To provide temporary livelihood support and social security to the distressed families of non-teaching staff who lost their jobs as a consequence of court orders.
- Financial Assistance: The family of an eligible Group C staff member will receive ₹25,000 per month, while the family of a Group D staff member will receive ₹20,000 per month.
- Eligibility: Only the staff recruited through the 2016 selection process, who lost their jobs due to the said court judgment, can apply for this benefit. Staff who lost their jobs due to any disciplinary proceedings are not eligible.
The State’s Response in Court
The state’s representative submitted that similar financial aid has been provided on previous occasions, such as during Durga Puja. According to the government, the funds are being allocated from a special account, and the intention is purely humanitarian. However, this reasoning did not fully satisfy the judge, leading to the verdict being reserved. The final decision of the court on this allowance scheme is now awaited.
