OBC Case: The long-standing deadlock over staff recruitment at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is finally set to end. In a significant directive, the Calcutta High Court has ordered that the recruitment process for 66 Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities must begin immediately, adhering to the 7% reservation policy. The verdict was delivered by the bench of Justice Kaushik Chanda, bringing a ray of hope to numerous job aspirants.
The High Court’s Directive and Resumption of the Recruitment Process
The court has explicitly stated that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation must seek permission from the state to initiate this recruitment drive. According to Justice Chanda’s observation, there is no need to halt any recruitment or admission process based on the Division Bench’s judgment from May 22, 2024. That ruling had clarified that there were no obstacles to proceeding with recruitment or admissions for the 66 communities that were recognized as OBC before 2010.
The court has directed the KMC to apply to the state government immediately to fill 74 vacant positions and to commence the recruitment process as soon as approval is granted.
Why Did This Complication Arise?
The issue originated in October of last year when the KMC sent a requisition to the Service Commission for recruitment. Following the High Court’s ruling, the Service Commission sought clarification from the municipality on certain matters but received no response.
Meanwhile, a new notification on June 3 of this year included 140 communities, and on June 13, the Service Commission re-published the recruitment notice. In this context, Justice Chanda questioned why the Service Commission, which had initially sought clarification, did not do so the second time.
The Court’s Observation and Resolution
The court noted that the Municipal Service Commission and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation were blaming each other for the delay. Expressing dissatisfaction with this situation, Justice Chanda affirmed that the primary objective is to immediately start the recruitment process for the 66 OBC communities as per the Division Bench’s order.
This directive is expected to end the prolonged stagnation in the municipality’s recruitment activities. It is a crucial step not only for the job candidates but also for maintaining the smooth functioning of the municipal corporation.
Key Highlights at a Glance:
- Court’s Order: The recruitment process for 66 OBC communities must begin.
- Reservation Policy: A 7% reservation policy must be strictly followed.
- Vacancies: An immediate application has been ordered for filling 74 vacant posts.
- Reason for Complication: Lack of coordination between the Municipality and the Service Commission.
- Resolution: To swiftly start the recruitment process following the High Court’s Division Bench order.
This verdict underscores that legal complexities should not lead to public harassment or administrative blockades. It is hoped that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the relevant authorities will act swiftly on the court’s instructions, ensuring that deserving candidates receive their rightful opportunities.
