Breaking! Supreme Court Orders Full Financial Benefits for Para-Teachers, Shiksamitra, and Temporary Workers

Temporary Workers’ Rights: In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has ruled on a case concerning the financial benefits of temporary workers employed under the West Bengal Sarva Shiksha Mission. This verdict brings significant relief to thousands of para-teachers, shiksha bandhus, shiksha mitras, and other temporary employees in the state. Upholding the decision of the Calcutta High Court, the nation’s apex court has mandated that these workers must be provided with all financial benefits.

Background of the Case

The issue of financial deprivation among temporary workers under the West Bengal Sarva Shiksha Mission has been a long-standing grievance. Despite performing duties similar to their permanent counterparts, there was a vast disparity in their salaries and other benefits. To fight this discrimination, several temporary workers approached the Calcutta High Court.

On April 4, 2025, a division bench comprising Justice Rajasekhar Mantha and Justice Ajay Kumar Gupta delivered a groundbreaking verdict. The High Court ruled that all temporary workers under the Sarva Shiksha Mission must be given full financial benefits. The court described the mission’s circulars dated February 7, 2011, and March 30, 2012, as “illegal, arbitrary, and discriminatory” as they created divisions among the employees.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

Challenging the Calcutta High Court’s decision, the West Bengal Sarva Shiksha Mission filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court. The mission argued that implementing the High Court’s order would place a significant financial burden on the state.

However, during the hearing before a bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, the Supreme Court dismissed the Sarva Shiksha Mission’s appeal. The apex court clearly stated that it found no valid reason to interfere with the Calcutta High Court’s judgment. Consequently, the High Court’s ruling was deemed final, and the directive to provide financial benefits to temporary workers was upheld.

Impact and Significance of the Verdict

As a result of this Supreme Court ruling, the temporary workers of the state will receive the following benefits:

• Job security until the age of 60.
• Financial benefits on par with permanent employees.
• All post-retirement benefits.

This verdict is a major victory not only for the petitioners but for all temporary workers in the state. It proves that justice can be achieved, even after a long struggle. It is worth noting, however, that while the petitioners in this specific case will receive the benefits directly, other temporary workers might have to approach the court anew to avail similar benefits.

This historic judgment opens a new chapter in protecting the rights of temporary workers in West Bengal. It will compel the state government to reconsider its policies towards temporary employees and will be instrumental in creating a more secure working environment for them in the future.