Stalemate in SSC Recruitment Process: New Case in High Court, Thousands of Candidates in Trouble
SSC Recruitment: Kolkata: Controversy has once again erupted over the SSC (School Service Commission) recruitment process. While the jobs of nearly 26,000 teachers and non-teaching staff were cancelled by the order of the Supreme Court, questions have now been raised about the new recruitment process. A section of job aspirants has approached the Calcutta High Court, challenging the new recruitment notification of the West Bengal School Service Commission. As a result, there is a fear that the entire process might get stuck in a legal battle again.
What is the reason for this case?
The main allegation of the petitioners is that there are several inconsistencies in the new SSC rules. They claim that the notification published for 44,000 vacancies violates the Supreme Court’s order regarding age relaxation and the provision of additional marks for experience.
Controversy in the marks distribution
According to the new rules, 60 marks have been allocated for the written test, 10 for academic qualification, 10 for teaching experience, 10 for ‘lecture demonstration’, and 10 for the interview. The petitioners question the rationale of awarding 10 extra marks for teaching experience in a recruitment process that is already marred by allegations of corruption. According to them, this could be a strategy to favor illegally appointed candidates.
Age limit and other allegations
The job aspirants have also alleged that the issue of age relaxation has not been properly considered in the new notification. Earlier, a single bench judge had ordered the removal of ‘identified ineligible’ candidates from the recruitment process and the issuance of a new notification. However, the petitioners in the division bench have claimed that the new rules have not been formulated in accordance with that order.
Court’s Observation
Justice Saugata Bhattacharya of the Calcutta High Court has stated that since the examination process is being conducted as per the directives of the Supreme Court, the court will not interfere. However, the petitioners’ application has been accepted, and an assurance of a speedy hearing has been given. Justices Soumen Sen and Uday Kumar have allowed this case to be filed, making the future of the recruitment process uncertain once again.
Due to this legal battle, the future of thousands of eligible job aspirants in the state is at stake. While there is a demand for transparent recruitment, the prolonged process is also increasing the fear of many dreams being shattered. It remains to be seen when the court can put an end to this complexity and show a new direction.
