WBSSC SLST Exam: The controversy surrounding the SLST (State Level Selection Test), organized by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC), seems endless. Qualified teachers from the 2016 batch have once again approached the Supreme Court, this time with a contempt of court case. An allegation has been raised against the commission for not complying with a directive issued by the Supreme Court on August 21st, causing an uproar across the state.
Table of Contents
Background of the Case
The issue began on August 21st, when the Supreme Court issued a significant directive. The order stated that all teachers from the 2016 batch who had secured 45% marks must be allowed to sit for the examination. More importantly, the court explicitly mentioned that, if necessary, the commission “shall be postponed” the examination date to ensure these candidates get adequate time for preparation.
However, the allegation is that while the SSC complied with one part of the directive, it completely ignored the other. The commission set a new deadline for form submission by September 2nd and announced that admit cards would be available for download the very next day, with the exam scheduled for September 7th. This decision has caused intense frustration among the qualified teachers.
The Teachers’ Allegations and Demands
Under the leadership of Chinmoy Mondal, the teachers have approached the Supreme Court with a list of demands. Their main grievances are:
- Lack of Preparation Time: Having to sit for an exam immediately after filling out the form leaves no time for preparation. Juggling a school job and the pressure of the exam is nearly impossible.
- Disregard for Supreme Court’s Order: The court had suggested postponing the exam for the candidates’ benefit, but the commission did not heed this directive.
- Vacancy Count: The number of vacancies from 2016 must not be reduced or cancelled under any circumstances.
- Separate Selection Process: A separate selection process must be initiated for new and “untainted” candidates, as a combined exam would be unfair.
- Grace Marks: If a separate exam is not feasible, “untainted” teachers should be awarded grace marks to secure their position on the panel.
- Utilizing Holidays: With the Puja holidays approaching, this period could be used for exam preparation, strengthening the demand for postponement.
The Commission’s Stance
On the other hand, the School Service Commission remains firm on its decision. They are determined to conduct the exams on September 7th and 14th. The commission has stated that all preparations are complete and it is not possible to postpone the exam at this moment. They have filed an IA (Intervention Application) on the matter and will present their arguments in court.
The hearing for this case is scheduled to take place in the Supreme Court today. Now, all eyes are on the court’s verdict. With the future of qualified teachers on one side and the firm stance of the commission on the other, the path forward for the SLST examination hangs in the balance.
