In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court invalidated the 2016 recruitment of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff in West Bengal. They cite extensive fraud and corruption for this decision. Thereby, delivering a significant setback to CM Mamata Banerjee and her TMC. Moreover, the decision highlights the deep-seated issues of crime and scams within the state’s administration.
Unraveling TMC’s 2016 Teacher Recruitment Scam
The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) conducted a recruitment drive in 2016. The drive was to fill positions in state-run and state-aided schools. However, allegations soon emerged that ineligible candidates secured jobs by paying substantial bribes to individuals connected with the ruling TMC. Investigations revealed widespread manipulation, including tampered OMR sheets and unjustified rank advancements.
The Calcutta High Court, in April 2024, annulled these appointments. However, TMC gained a stay on the annulment and approached the Supreme Court along with 120 others. However, the HC’s decision has now been upheld by the Supreme Court of India. The Supreme Court’s ruling is unequivocal, stating, “The entire selection process is vitiated and tainted… Manipulations and fraud have vitiated it beyond repair as the legitimacy and credibility of selection is denuded.”
The Court emphasized that such fraudulent practices violate Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution, which guarantee the right to equality and fundamental freedoms.
This West Bengal scandal underscores the TMC’s alleged complicity in corrupt practices that have compromised the state’s educational integrity. Reports indicate that party leaders were aware of the fraudulent activities well before the 2021 state elections. Notably, Partha Chatterjee, a senior TMC leader and former Education Minister, was arrested for the scam. Thus, highlighting the party’s deep entanglement in corruption prevalent in the state of West Bengal.
West Bengal A Den Of Illegal Activities
Compounding these issues are accusations that the TMC government has facilitated illegal infiltration. Many times TMC leaders are caught on camera promising fraudulent documents to Bangladeshi and Rohingya illegal immigrants. HM Amit Shah alleged that the West Bengal government has been issuing Aadhaar and voter ID cards to illegal immigrants. Thereby, jeopardizing national security and straining the state’s resources.
The Supreme Court’s decision to cancel the tainted teacher appointments serves as a critical reminder of the consequences of systemic corruption.
Moreover, it calls for a thorough overhaul of recruitment processes to restore meritocracy and public trust. The court allows the teachers appointed via the tainted process to keep the salaries drawn. However, their appointment of 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff stands canceled.
Nevertheless, the allegations of facilitating illegal infiltration need immediate attention. TMC under Mamata Banerjee is a threat to meritocracy and national security.
The once great state of West Bengal is now burdened by illegal activities protected by political goons.