WBSSC Candidates Protest in Kolkata Demanding Fair Evaluation Without Grace Marks

WBSSC Candidates Protest in Kolkata Demanding Fair Evaluation Without Grace Marks

A group of school job aspirants who appeared for the recent exams conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) held a demonstration in Salt Lake, on the eastern edges of Kolkata, on Thursday, demanding fair recruitment in government-aided schools.

The protesters gathered at Karunamoyee Metro station and then marched about one kilometre to Bikash Bhavan, the headquarters of the state education department, as reported by news agency PTI.

These agitators had appeared for the State Level Selection Test (SLST) conducted by the WBSSC on September 7 and 14. They were demanding the removal of the provision that awards 10 extra marks to teachers who lost their jobs following a Supreme Court order but were considered “untainted" and participated in the fresh recruitment exams.

The Supreme Court had earlier ordered the dismissal of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff in state-aided schools, describing the 2016 recruitment process as “vitiated and tainted."

The protesters argued that the 10-mark grace provision would disadvantage new candidates and violate the norms meant to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants. They also demanded the immediate release of vacancies in the schools to allow fresh recruitment.

Meanwhile, non-teaching staff who lost their jobs in the recruitment controversy stated that they have been facing difficulties without a salary for the past six months and are struggling to manage their livelihoods.

The job aspirants said they wish to meet the state education minister to present their objections to the recruitment notification and ensure that the selection process remains fair and transparent for all candidates.