Mamata Defends Bengal Teachers, Says ‘No One Has Right to Starve Anyone’
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday assured thousands of school service commission (SSC) appointees that no “eligible” teacher or non-teaching staff would lose their job following the Supreme Court’s verdict last week that cancelled several SSC appointments.
Addressing over 7,000 affected candidates at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Banerjee said the state government is preparing to regularise the jobs of untainted candidates within two months. “Let the Supreme Court clarify who is eligible and who is not. No one has the right to dismantle the education system. If you can’t provide jobs, don’t take them away,” she said.
‘Continue Working Voluntarily’: CM’s Appeal
Banerjee urged those impacted to continue working at their schools, pointing out that termination notices had not yet been issued. “Eligible teachers should keep working. There will be no break in service. We have both Plan A and Plan B ready,” she said.
She also said the SSC will seek clarification from the Supreme Court before proceeding with fresh recruitment exams.
Legal Action Underway
The chief minister outlined the legal course of action being taken by the state. A team of senior Supreme Court lawyers — including Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Rakesh Dwivedi, Prashant Bhushan, and Kalyan Banerjee — will represent the state. A liaison committee with affected candidates will also be formed to coordinate directly with the legal team.
“We are exploring all legal options, including filing a review petition to ensure justice for those who are eligible,” Banerjee added. “We are fully complying with the court but acting swiftly to protect jobs.”
Alternative Jobs If Needed
Banerjee said if the verdict does not go in the government’s favour, eligible candidates could be considered for roles in other departments. “We will take whatever alternative steps are necessary. Your service will not be interrupted, and you will receive additional support if needed,” she said.
Opposition Blamed for Current Crisis
The CM also accused opposition parties of triggering the crisis by filing petitions against the recruitment process. She specifically targeted CPI(M) leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, who had filed the case leading to the SC ruling.
“Why did Bhattacharya file this case? The CPI(M) must answer. The BJP has done the same in states like Tripura and Madhya Pradesh,” she said, referring to the dismissal of over 10,000 teachers in Tripura and the Vyapam scam in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh.
Call for Unity Amid Tensions
Parts of Banerjee’s speech were interrupted by dissenting voices from the audience. However, she appealed for unity among affected staff. “Let us resolve the issue for eligible candidates first. Then we will examine the cases of those labelled ineligible. But please don’t fight among yourselves. Have faith in me,” she said.
Banerjee concluded by reaffirming her government’s commitment to justice and fair employment practices, while respecting the Supreme Court’s authority.
