SSC Teacher Protest: Teacher Falls Ill During Hunger Strike, Is the Government Listening to Their Demands?

SSC Teacher Protest: Kolkata’s Central Park is now the scene of a heart-wrenching movement. Among hundreds of teachers and education staff, who lost their jobs due to the SSC (School Service Commission) corruption scandal, ten of them have begun a hunger strike to demand their rightful jobs. This protest is not just a fight for a few individuals’ employment but has become a symbol of the common person’s stand against corruption. Several protestors have already fallen ill during this three-day-long hunger strike, further complicating the critical situation.

Background and Current Situation of the Protest

For the past 40 days, these candidates who lost their jobs have been protesting to get them back. The latest and most severe step in their long protest is this hunger strike, which has been ongoing for over 60 hours. The root cause of this movement is a massive, corrupt recruitment process, which has victimized thousands of deserving candidates. The protest at Central Park is the voice of all those who have become helpless victims of a flawed system.

Health Risks and Humanitarian Crisis

The physical condition of the protestors on hunger strike is progressively deteriorating. Here are some of the poignant aspects of the protest:

• Serious Illness: One of the protestors, Balaram Biswas, fell seriously ill and has been admitted to R. G. Kar Hospital in Kolkata. His condition is reported to be critical.
• Deteriorating Health of Others: Other protestors are also experiencing a rapid decline in their physical condition. Many are suffering from severe muscle cramps, dry mouths due to dehydration, and slurred speech.
• Allegations of Administrative Apathy: The protestors allege that they have received no help from the administration in this critical situation. No ambulance or medical team has been deployed for them, which has intensified the humanitarian crisis.

Government’s Silence and Protestors’ Demands

The protestors claim that no responsible representative from the government has made direct contact with them. They were only called to inquire about the number of protestors, which has deepened their despair. The temporary shelter erected to protect them from the rain is also inadequate, with water leaking through.

In this dire situation, the main demands of the protestors are:

• An immediate meeting and discussion with the state’s Chief Minister.
• A promise to immediately reinstate the innocent candidates who were victims of the corruption.

Ten protestors had started this hunger strike. Even after one of them was hospitalized, the remaining nine continue their protest. It is still unknown when their peaceful yet firm movement will end or when the government will concede to their demands. However, this protest at Central Park has shaken the conscience of the entire state and sent a powerful message against corruption.