Bratya Basu: Education Minister Agrees to Discussions with Sacked Teachers: What Did He Say?

Bratya Basu: Widespread allegations of irregularities in the 2016 teacher and non-teaching staff recruitment conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) created a stir across the state. In response to this corruption, the Calcutta High Court annulled the appointments of nearly 26,000 (25,753) teachers and non-teaching staff. Subsequently, when the case reached the Supreme Court, the country’s apex court also acknowledged significant corruption in the recruitment process and largely upheld the Calcutta High Court’s verdict.

Since this verdict, a section of the teachers who lost their jobs became anxious about their future and began continuous protests demanding reinstatement. It is in this complex situation that the state’s Education Minister, Bratya Basu, has indicated a willingness to sit down for discussions with representatives of the protesting terminated teachers.

Education Minister Bratya Basu has stated that he received a letter from the teachers who lost their jobs, but it did not specify the reason for wanting a meeting. He said the government is willing to cooperate with them. The Minister mentioned that there are different groups among the teachers: some want to protest, some are cooperating with the government, and others are relying on the government and legal processes. Someone from his department will contact the protestors to ask them to submit a properly formatted letter outlining their reasons for wanting to meet, and the government will surely cooperate.

On the other hand, a representative of the protesting teachers expressed their disappointment that the minister claimed not to know why they were protesting, as they believe they have already communicated their reasons.

• They stated they submitted a letter to the receiving section at Bikash Bhavan on the 20th, outlining their request for a meeting and its purpose.
• They also mentioned sending an email after the minister claimed not to have received an official letter, although they encountered issues with the minister’s full inbox.
• They emphasized that their second email referenced their initial letter, so their demands should be clear to the minister.
• Regarding the minister’s comment about differing opinions among the teachers, the representative clarified that despite any differences in approach (cooperation vs. protest), their core demand is the same: for the government to take responsibility for reinstating all qualified teachers and staff through a review process, as directed by the Supreme Court’s deadline for issuing a notification by May 31st and the need for discussion before any re-examination.

The protest in front of Bikash Bhavan has reached its 19th day. The administration is providing a temporary shelter near Central Park and bio-toilets. The protestors have stated that they will move once adequate infrastructure is in place.