Priyadarshini Mallick, the daughter of former West Bengal minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Jyotipriya Mallick, has been removed from her position as secretary of the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE), the body that conducts the state’s Higher Secondary examinations. The development was reported by IANS news agency, which shared the official letter confirming her removal.
Background of the Removal
According to reports, Mallick had earlier been asked to resign as part of a larger restructuring process within the department. However, she did not agree to step down from the post. Following this, the WBCHSE authorities decided to remove her from the position. The reshuffle comes amid continued scrutiny over controversies linked to the previous Trinamool Congress administration, including the multi-crore cash-for-school-jobs case.
Connection to the PDS Scam
During the investigation into the alleged multi-crore Public Distribution System (PDS) scam, in which her father Jyotipriya Mallick was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2023, Priyadarshini Mallick’s name had also surfaced. Based on the ED’s findings, questions were raised over how she allegedly earned Rs 3.37 crore through private tuition work in a single financial year.
Return to Academic Role
The state government has also advised her to return to her original role as an assistant professor at the state-aided Asutosh College in south Kolkata. This move is seen as part of the ongoing administrative changes within the education department.
As the situation develops, further details are awaited regarding the restructuring and its implications for the WBCHSE and the state's education system.
