Calcutta HC Cancels 24,000 Teaching Jobs of WB Recruitment 2016

The Calcutta High Court passed its verdict on the WB Recruitment 2016 case on 20 April 2024. Verdict states that the  2016 job panel for teachers’ recruitment has been cancelled which has sent shockwaves across West Bengal. In a major blow to the education sector in West Bengal, nearly 24,000 teaching positions have been deemed illegal by the court, uncovering a massive scam in the recruitment process.

All Appointments of 2016 Cancelled

The High Court bench which was led by Justice Debangsu Basak, noted significant irregularities in the recruitment process for the teaching positions conducted in 2016 in West Bengal. The main concerning issue that surfaced was the tampering of OMR sheets for positions in Group C, Group D, Class IX, and X. This manipulation resulted in the nullification of all appointments made in 2016. Justice Basak stressed that the inclusion of names in the recruitment panel was conducted unlawfully, compelling the court to invalidate the entire panel.

Court Orders Re-evaluation of 23 Lakh OMR Sheets

The magnitude of the scam became apparent as the court ordered the re-evaluation of a staggering 23 lakh OMR sheets used in the recruitment entrance exam. This re-evaluation aims to rectify the injustice caused by the fraudulent practices of the Recruitment Authorities and ensure fairness in future recruitment processes. Meanwhile, all the appointments are cancelled and the appointees who have been drawing salaries from the government as teachers will have to return their accumulated salaries.

WB TET 2014 Scam & Its Aftermath

This isn’t the first instance of corruption plaguing the education system in West Bengal. The scam surrounding the West Bengal Teacher Eligibility Test (WB TET) 2024 resulted in the cancellation of 36000 Teaching Jobs or violating reservation quotas and not taking a required aptitude test. Now with another 24000 jobs being cancelled, the credibility of the recruitment process of the West Bengal Government is at stake.

WB Recruitment 2016 Case & its Development

In 2021, the Calcutta High Court directed the Justice Bag committee to scrutinize Group C and D recruitments. The committee unearthed OMR sheet tampering, prompting CBI and ED investigations. The court concluded hearings on 20 March, with the CBI already probing. In 2022, former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee was arrested for alleged involvement. Subsequently, in August 2022, both Chatterjee and his associate Arpita Mukherjee were apprehended by the ED. Additionally, several SSC officials, including TMC MLA Manik Bhattacharya, faced arrest.

Conclusion

The Calcutta High Court’s decisive action against the illegal recruitment of over 23,000 teachers and non-teaching staff underscores the importance of upholding transparency and accountability in the education sector. While the verdict brings hope for justice, it also serves as a wake-up call for authorities to implement stringent measures to prevent such scams in the future. As the court orders fresh recruitment against the vacant posts, it’s imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize meritocracy and ethical practices to restore public trust in the education system.

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