32000 Teacher Case: Calcutta High Court’s Big Verdict, Jobs of Some Teachers under 32,000 Primary Teachers Secured!

32000 Teacher Case: The Calcutta High Court has delivered a significant verdict concerning the jobs of 32,000 primary teachers, bringing welcome relief to many. This ruling ensures that teachers with special qualifications will no longer be classified as ‘untrained,’ thereby securing their employment. Let’s delve into the details of this case and its implications.

Background of the Case

The issue originated from the 2016 recruitment process, where many candidates with a ‘Diploma in Education (Special Education)’ were appointed as ‘untrained’ teachers. The West Bengal Board of Primary Education did not initially recognize this special qualification as equivalent to standard training. Consequently, these teachers were deprived of the salary and benefits designated for trained educators.

Court Intervention and Previous Rulings

After the matter was taken to court, a single judge of the Calcutta High Court ruled on March 1, 2017, that candidates holding a ‘Diploma in Education (Special Education)’ must be treated as trained candidates. Following that verdict, these teachers began receiving the appropriate salary and benefits.

However, the problem resurfaced on November 28, 2022, when the Board of Primary Education published a list that once again categorized these teachers as ‘untrained.’ This created a risk of job termination for them, as a process to cancel the jobs of 32,000 ‘untrained’ teachers was underway.

The Division Bench’s Final Verdict

In response, the affected teachers appealed to the Division Bench. During the hearing, the Board’s representative admitted that, as per the previous court order, these teachers were indeed trained and were receiving full benefits. He also acknowledged that the 2022 list was published in haste, contained errors, and should not negatively affect the petitioners.

After reviewing all aspects, the Honorable Justices directed that:

• The petitioning teachers must be considered ‘trained assistant teachers’.
• They must be given the correct pay scale and all arrears based on their qualifications immediately.
• The errors in the Board’s published list must be rectified.

Thanks to this ruling, teachers who were wrongly labeled as ‘untrained’ despite having special qualifications have now received full legal protection. Their jobs are secure, and they will continue to receive all the benefits of a trained teacher. This verdict is a landmark decision not just for the petitioners but for the entire teaching community.