West Bengal teachers protest over stalled recruitment process

West Bengal’s “untainted” teachers, who were stripped of their positions in a controversial school recruitment scandal, have reignited their protests in Kolkata after the state suspended its counselling process for their reappointment. The indefinite halt came after the Supreme Court mandated a fresh recruitment drive, leaving thousands of educators in uncertainty about their future employment. The protest took place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, as tensions continue to mount over the stalled process. The teachers, many of whom had previously cleared the 2016 recruitment exams, were reinstated into the merit list of the 2025 selection process after the Supreme Court annulled the earlier appointments due to procedural flaws. They had hoped to secure permanent roles through the current recruitment cycle, which had reached the stage of counselling. However, the West Bengal Central School Service Commission announced on August 11 that the counselling sessions, originally set to start on August 14, had been postponed indefinitely. This decision has thrown the affected teachers into confusion and frustration. According to one protestor, “We proved our merit twice. We trusted the system despite being let down before. We passed the exam again after nine years, yet the counselling process has stopped. We are heading towards death now.” These sentiments reflect the deep sense of betrayal felt by many of the 15,403 “untainted” teachers who had successfully navigated the rigorous selection process. Some had already attended counselling sessions, while others were waiting for their turn. The abrupt stoppage has led to widespread unrest among the group. The situation has been further complicated by changes in reservation policies. The new government has reduced the quota for Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates from 17% to 7%, despite the examination having taken place in September 2025 under the previous reservation norms. This shift has raised concerns about fairness and consistency in the recruitment process. Mehboob Mondal, a representative of the Joggya Sikkhak Sikkhika Adhikar Mancha (Deserving Teachers’ Rights Forum), criticized the move, stating, “This has added an unnecessary level of complication to the recruitment process. What is the need for this new rule in the middle of the hiring process?” The issue dates back to 2025, when the “untainted” teachers staged prolonged protests in Kolkata, demanding their jobs be restored with dignity. During these demonstrations, several participants faced police intervention. Their legal battles continued as they sought redress through the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court, arguing that no credible evidence of corruption had been found against them. Despite these efforts, neither court restored their appointments, instead directing the state to hold a new recruitment process. The teachers had to retake the examination, which they had already passed once, in order to qualify for the new round. Now, with the counselling phase halted, they face another period of uncertainty. Many feel abandoned by both the administration and political leadership. Suvendu Adhikari, the former chief minister whose party currently holds power, had previously pledged to reinstate the teachers, prompting calls for him to uphold his commitment. The ongoing dispute highlights broader issues surrounding governance, transparency, and accountability in public sector recruitment. As the teachers continue their protests, pressure mounts on authorities to provide clarity and resolve the impasse. With no immediate resolution in sight, the affected educators remain in limbo, their futures hanging in the balance.