Confusion and frustration have gripped the non-teaching staff (Group C and Group D) who lost their jobs following the cancellation of the entire 2016 West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment process.
Although the Supreme Court granted interim relief to untainted teachers, allowing them to continue working until December 31, 2025, no such relief was extended to non-teaching employees.
Amid this uncertainty, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that the state government would provide monthly allowances of Rs 25,000 for Group C employees and Rs 20,000 for Group D employees as a social security measure.
During a meeting of the representatives of non-teaching staff and chief secretary Manoj Pant, CM Banerjee confirmed that the state would also file a review petition. Responsibility for distributing the allowances was assigned to the Labour Department instead of the Education Department.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions among the affected workers. While some have welcomed the financial support, others have vowed to continue their protests.
Many workers camping outside the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) office admitted that the allowance would provide much-needed relief, but stressed that their primary demand was the reinstatement of their jobs, which they earned legitimately.
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Another faction rejected the allowance altogether. Pralaykumar Jamadar, one of the education workers who was in the meeting with the chief secretary, told the local media, “She suggested an allowance for us but we wanted a different amount which she did not agree. We will continue our protest.” Reportedly, they had demanded Rs 30,000 for Group C and Rs 25,000 for Group D.
Despite their differing stances on the allowance, all groups remain united in demanding the return of their jobs and have called on the state government to release a list distinguishing "tainted" from "untainted" education workers, similar to the process followed for teachers.
They also accused the government of neglecting them in its legal battle, as the interim relief from the Supreme Court only covered teachers.
The WBBSE, on the other hand, argues that the apex court had stated during the hearing of the modification application that the court remarked that corruption among non-teaching workers was widespread and ruled out considering appeals on their behalf.
Meanwhile, on Monday, a group of teachers and education workers who have been identified as “tainted” tried to march towards the residence of CM Banerjee. On being stopped a kilometre ahead, they staged a sit-in protest, blocked the road and even clashed with the police.
They questioned why they are being labelled "tainted" based solely on alleged irregularities in the OMR sheets when it has not yet been proven in court. These protesters, who have been asked by the Supreme Court to return their salaries as well, requested the chief minister to ensure that required steps are taken to identify them as “untainted”.