‘Ready to Even Go to Jail’: Mamata Banerjee Meets Teachers After SC Cancels Over 25,000 Appointments
25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff in state-run and aided schools across West Bengal
Kolkata, April 7: Days after the Supreme Court invalidated the appointments of 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff in state-run and aided schools across West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday met with a group of affected educators, vowing full support and declaring that she is "ready to even go to jail" in their defense.
The Supreme Court, in a strongly worded verdict on April 3, described the entire recruitment process as "vitiated and tainted," effectively nullifying the appointments made through the 2016 School Service Commission (SSC) panel. The ruling has left thousands of teachers and staff members jobless, triggering widespread concern and protests.
Speaking to the dismissed teachers during a meeting in Kolkata, Banerjee said, “I will stand by those who have lost their jobs in an unjust manner. I don’t care what others think. I will do everything to restore your dignity.”
She reassured the affected individuals that the state government has devised alternative plans to ensure that eligible candidates do not face a break in service. “We will not allow them to remain jobless. We are working on measures that will help them retain their livelihoods without legal violations,” she added.
The Chief Minister’s defiant stance comes amid political and legal scrutiny, with the opposition demanding accountability for the irregularities in the recruitment process. However, Banerjee emphasized that while her government respects the judiciary, it will do everything in its power to protect those who were “unfairly” affected.
The situation remains tense as thousands of former staffers await clarity on their futures. Legal experts and education officials are reportedly working with the state government to explore viable solutions within the framework of the law.
As the political storm continues to brew, the fate of thousands of livelihoods now hangs in the balance—making this one of the most significant educational and administrative crises West Bengal has faced in recent years.
