Teachers Demand Transparency After Job Terminations: WBSSC 2025 Protests

KOLKATA: On Monday, the Acharya Sadan office of the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) witnessed tight security. Police forces stood armed with batons and tear gas, guarding the premises behind a three-layer barricade. This heightened alert coincided with a major protest march by teaching and non-teaching staff.

These protestors lost their jobs after a recent Supreme Court verdict nullified the 2016 recruitment process, calling the appointment of nearly 26,000 staff members tainted. As a result, many gathered at Karunamoyee before marching toward the SSC office.

Teachers Demand Certified List and OMR Transparency

Protestors, including those involved in an ongoing sit-in at Esplanade’s Y-channel since April 12, demanded urgent steps from the authorities. Their primary requests included publishing certified lists of tainted and non-tainted candidates and releasing scanned copies of the OMR sheets.

They expressed frustration about facing consequences for an allegedly flawed recruitment process. Many believe that transparency will rebuild trust and help them challenge the court’s decision effectively.

WBSSC May Release Partial List, But Protests Continue

According to commission sources, the WBSSC might release a list of untainted candidates by Monday evening. However, it is unlikely that the names of non-teaching staff will be included. There will also be no access to OMR answer sheets.

State Education Minister Bratya Basu mentioned that the lists could be released by April 21, depending on legal approval. But this announcement has not alleviated concerns among those affected.

Group D staff members highlighted the need for clarity. They insisted that their jobs represent their families’ futures, and delays in decision-making only increase uncertainty.

Two Protest Groups Join Forces at SSC Office

The Deserving Teachers’ Rights Forum and the Jogya Shikshak Shikshika Adhikar Mancha have united to voice their demands. The latter group announced a sit-in outside the WBSSC office.

Both organizations plan to maintain their protest until the commission issues a certified list. Their collaboration has added pressure on the authorities to act promptly.

As the WBSSC faces mounting pressure, thousands of teachers and staff members remain in limbo. They continue to hope for clarity, justice, and the restoration of their livelihoods.