‘Untainted’ teachers’ demand and school staff shortage to test new BJP government

MP, May 6, 2026, Kolkata: The demand for reinstatement of “untainted” teachers, alongside acute vacancies, is set to confront the incoming BJP government in West Bengal with an immediate test in the school education sector.

In April 2025, the Supreme Court scrapped the panel of around 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff appointed through the 2016 School Service Commission (SSC) selection process, triggering protests and leaving schools grappling with staff shortages.

The court permitted “untainted” teachers to continue in their posts till August 31, 2026. While some candidates have re-entered service through fresh recruitment, many have not.

Those who fail to secure positions in the new selection will effectively become jobless once the Supreme Court-mandated deadline lapses. They are now demanding reinstatement of “eligible” candidates, maintaining they were not involved in any irregularity and urging the new administration to act.

The issue has gained traction amid the circulation of a video, not independently verified, purportedly showing BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, then Leader of the Opposition, saying that if the BJP formed the government, it would approach the Supreme Court with a list of “eligible” candidates to seek their reinstatement.

Teachers have cited the remarks while renewing their demands following the change in government.

“We hope the promises made will be honoured,” said Anurag Kar, an “untainted” teacher, referring to assurances by BJP leaders.

He said many teachers who lost their jobs had spent months protesting and faced police action during demonstrations, adding that they were seeking justice after losing employment despite no proven wrongdoing.

“The demand has not changed. We are only seeking reinstatement of eligible teachers and non-teaching staff with dignity,” another teacher said.

The scale of vacancies has compounded the crisis. In fully government-run schools, around 60 per cent of sanctioned posts remain unfilled, officials said, with institutions relying on temporary arrangements.

The issue of recruitment has also raised broader concerns over transparency and trust in the system. With past panels cancelled and appointments invalidated, restoring credibility in the hiring process is expected to be a key challenge for the new government.

At the same time, delays in central funds under the Samagra Shiksha Mission have added to the strain on the sector. State officials said funds have not been released since September 2023, affecting school-level expenditure and forcing the state to bear costs.

The delay has also impacted the release of composite grants to schools, used for minor repairs, classroom materials and day-to-day functioning.

Infrastructure gaps in government schools, including shortages of classrooms, limited digital access and sanitation issues, continue to affect students. Administrative gaps, such as the absence of functional managing committees in several schools, have further slowed decision-making at the institutional level, officials said.

The incoming administration will be under pressure to address both the reinstatement demand and systemic gaps in recruitment, funding and governance.