Approximately 1,000 teachers who lost their jobs due to a Supreme Court order continued their sit-in protest outside the West Bengal Education Department headquarters at Bikash Bhavan in Salt Lake, Kolkata, marking the third consecutive day of demonstrations. The teachers, who had cleared the 2016 School Service Commission (SSC) examination, are demanding reinstatement after the Supreme Court invalidated the appointment of 25,753 teachers and staff in state-aided schools, citing the selection process as “vitiated and tainted.”
The protest has remained peaceful, with participants maintaining their presence throughout the night under police supervision. However, tensions escalated on May 15 when clashes between protesters and police resulted in injuries on both sides. Police reported 19 personnel injured, while several teachers sustained injuries requiring hospitalization.
In response to the unrest, the West Bengal Cabinet approved the West Bengal Livelihood and Social Security Interim Scheme on May 14, providing monthly financial assistance of ₹25,000 for Group C and ₹20,000 for Group D staffers affected by the Supreme Court’s decision. Despite this measure, protesters insist on full reinstatement rather than interim relief.
Protest leaders have called for immediate dialogue with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to address their demands. The situation remains tense, with increased security measures around Bikash Bhavan and ongoing demonstrations highlighting the deepening crisis in the state’s education sector.
