Anit Thapa: "This Legal Battle is About Justice and Truth" Political Leaders React to High Court Verdict on Teacher Appointments in Darjeeling

KalimNews, Kalimpong, Dec 17, 2025 : The recent verdict delivered by the Kolkata High Court regarding the regularisation of 313 volunteer teachers by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has raised significant concerns and sparked a wave of political reactions in Darjeeling. Anit Thapa, the Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, has strongly expressed his support for the teachers, calling their ongoing struggle a fight for truth, justice, and self-respect.

Speaking out on behalf of the teachers, Thapa stated that the legal battle is not due to any fault of the teachers themselves, but rather a consequence of the absence of clear recruitment guidelines in Darjeeling for the past 25 years. He stressed that the appointment of volunteer teachers in the region was a result of the circumstances and the prevailing administrative setup at the time, particularly noting that no formal recruitment process, such as the Recruitment Rules or SSC exams, was in place since 2003. However, he acknowledged that despite the lack of formal rules, these teachers had been dedicated to their roles and contributed significantly to the educational development of the region. Thapa emphasised that many students from Darjeeling, through the hard work of these teachers, had gone on to become government officers, teachers, and professionals.

He further assured the 313 teachers that their sacrifices, commitment to education, and hard work were deeply respected. "I stand firmly with you in this legal battle," he declared, urging the teachers not to be disheartened. Thapa remained confident that the legal fight would be won, stating that they would continue to pursue the matter through the appropriate legal channels, including potentially appealing to higher courts, up to the Supreme Court if necessary. "I will go to any lengths to ensure that justice is served for you," he promised. According to him, the truth will always prevail, and their fight for justice and respect is not over.

Meanwhile, Darjeeling's Member of Parliament, Raju Bista, expressed his concerns about the court's decision, which declared the regularisation of the 313 teachers as illegal. He blamed the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for what he described as a "shortcut policy" that had destroyed the lives of the teachers and their families. 

Bista remarked that while he sympathised with the teachers affected by the backdoor appointment process promoted by the TMC government, he could not support the illegality of such appointments over merit. He pointed out that many qualified youths had been sidelined in favour of party-nominated teachers, and the court's ruling had validated their long struggle for justice. "Satyameva Jayate" — the truth has prevailed, he declared.

He further criticised the TMC for ruining the state's education system, citing the absence of regular leadership positions in several state universities, which are being run without vice-chancellors, controllers, or registrars. Bista accused the TMC of widespread corruption in the education system, claiming that schools and colleges were being managed by "Teacher-in-Charge" instead of regular principals and headmasters. He warned that the TMC's days of corruption and nepotism were numbered and called for the arrest of those responsible for taking bribes in exchange for teacher appointments. He urged the youth of the region to stop supporting those who led them down the path of illegality, accusing them of prioritising money and power over the welfare of the people.

Ajoy Edwards, the Chief Convener of the Indian Gorkha Jansakti Front (IGJF), also issued a statement condemning the corruption that allowed political influence to shape the teaching appointments. He expressed deep regret over the hardships faced by many families due to the exploitation of the education system. Edwards emphasised that the court's verdict after eight years of legal scrutiny was a victory for justice, and he applauded those who fought for this outcome. 

He expressed sympathy for the families affected but also praised the courage of those who challenged the corrupt system. He called for the immediate filling of the 313 vacancies based on merit, with a transparent and fair recruitment process. Edwards also called for a thorough investigation into those responsible for manipulating the system and urged authorities to restore integrity in public institutions. He highlighted the ongoing fight for justice, referencing the fake TET exams that had also affected the youth of the region, and reaffirmed his commitment to bringing the culprits to justice.

Edwards also proposed three key demands: the immediate implementation of legal recruitment procedures for the 313 vacancies, a thorough investigation and accountability for all individuals involved in the corrupt system, and the restoration of faith in public institutions by ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all.

Bista's colleague, BP Bajgain, the BJP MLA from Kurseong, voiced his concerns about the corruption in teacher appointments within the GTA. Bajgain stated that he had repeatedly raised his voice against illegal appointments and had made this an issue both in the media and within the legislative assembly. 

He recalled his efforts to push for the formation of a regional SSC (Staff Selection Commission) to ensure a fair recruitment process for the region's youth. Bajgain lamented that while Gorkha candidates from Darjeeling could secure jobs in the plains, candidates from the plains were not allowed to apply for jobs in Darjeeling. He called for equal opportunities for all, regardless of their place of origin, and expressed his disappointment over the recent court decision.

Bajgain criticised the victory of Jasimuddin, the appellant in the case, stating that it was a loss for the Gorkha community's long-standing political struggle. He argued that the ruling would pave the way for people from the plains to enter the hills, undermining the region’s identity and opportunities for local Gorkha youths. Bajgain's remarks reflected his frustration over the political consequences of the court’s verdict and the implications it had for the future of Gorkhas in the region.

In conclusion, the court's decision to annul the appointments of the 313 teachers has ignited a fierce political debate in Darjeeling. While some leaders, like Anit Thapa, have pledged to continue the fight for justice, others like Raju Bista and Ajoy Edwards have criticised the corrupt practices that led to the illegal appointments. As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the education system in Darjeeling and the political landscape in the region will continue to face significant challenges in the months to come.