Kolkata: West Bengal's Education Minister, Bratya Basu, affirmed on Thursday that the state government is committed to finalizing the long-awaited School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment process by the December 31 deadline. This assurance comes directly in the wake of observations from the Supreme Court regarding the examination procedures.
Government's Firm Commitment on Recruitment Timeline
While addressing reporters, Minister Basu left no room for doubt, stating that the government's primary task is to ensure the SSC recruitment is completed by December 31, and it will be accomplished. His statements were made a day after the Supreme Court's observations on the exam modalities, which were issued in response to multiple petitions challenging the 2016 rules governing the second State-Level Selection Test (SLST).
Emphasis on Transparency and New Measures
Defending the recruitment process, Basu highlighted that the court's observations did not single out any specific issues with the SSC exam rules. He urged all stakeholders to trust the commission, which he said is operating with unprecedented transparency.
Detailing the new initiatives, the minister explained that the West Bengal Central School Service Commission (WBCSSC) has rolled out several measures to ensure a fair process. These include providing OMR carbon copies to candidates, uploading model answer keys to allow for challenges, and publishing detailed results with a comprehensive breakdown of marks.
On his social media platform X, Basu elaborated, calling the recruitment tests held on September 7 and September 14 a 'unique and first-of-its-kind' process in India. He emphasized that every clause was strictly followed and that the list of eligible candidates was purged of any individuals with questionable backgrounds.
Background and Ongoing Challenges
The current recruitment drive was launched following a landmark Supreme Court order that nullified the appointments of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff across state-run schools. The apex court had directed that these vacancies be filled anew by the end of this year.
In compliance, the SSC conducted the written tests for the secondary and higher secondary levels, and the results have since been declared. However, the process continues to face legal hurdles, with several petitions challenging the underlying recruitment rules of 2016.
Reacting to concerns that political opposition might attempt to stall the process, Minister Basu remained resolute. He acknowledged that the opposition might try to create obstacles, but he confidently asserted that the government will conduct the recruitment transparently and ensure no tainted candidate secures a job.
