The Mamata Banerjee led West Bengal Government has suffered a significant setback as the Supreme Court has upheld the Calcutta High Court’s order to cancel 25,753 appointments of teaching and non-teaching staff made by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) in 2016.
The court has directed the state government to conduct a fresh selection process within three months. Those who clear this fresh process would not be required to return the salary they drew since their appointment in 2016.
Press release from Governor’s office :
Dr. C V Ananda Bose ,Governor of West Bengal sanctioning prosecution of the then Minister in Charge Partha Chattopadhyay in the recruitment scam of the School Service Commission involving over 25,000 posts has been vindicated by the Supreme Court judgment.
The High Court’s verdict of April 2024 has been upheld by the Supreme Court on 03.04.2025.The Supreme Court has cancelled the entire SSC panel. As a result, over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff who fell prey to a vicious vortex of corruption and maladministration have lost their jobs.
It was commonly believed that the entire exercise of initiating recruitments in Teaching and non-teaching staff of School Service Commission was a planned drive.
Understanding the gravity of the then evolving situation in the case that has wrecked havoc in the lives of thousands of deserving candidates who were deprived of their rightful jobs due to “jumping in the rank and cancellation/withdrawal of the recommendation of those teaching and non-teaching staff who are not in any list as well as cancellation of their appointments”, HG, invoking his Discretionary Powers vested under Article 163(2) of the Constitution and under the provisions of Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 sanctioned prosecution against then Minister in Charge Partha Chattopadhyay in the CBI cases between July 2023 to December 2024 that has resulted in his incarceration.
HG’s primary consideration was to bring to book the culprits and facilitate in the CBI investigations since such kind of recruitment scams play havoc with the lives of youngsters who have a constitutional right of fair, transparent and accountable consideration of their candidature.
As the Constitutional Head of the State, HG was firm in his conviction in ensuring governance in accordance with Constitution and ensuring that the rule of law is invoked to see that such aberration is undone.
The Supreme Court verdict has vindicated HG’s stance in the case.
Immediately upon taking over as the Governor of West Bengal, HG, functioning within the Constitutional parameters, has been in the vanguard of fight against corruption and the culture of threats and intimidation that has plagued the society, marring peace and progress.
A number of steps have been initiated by HG during his tenure, that includes the following:
JAN KI BAAT:
Creating a direct line of communication for citizens to share concerns directly with the Hon’ble Governor.
CITIZEN CONNECT:
Engaging with citizens across digital and physical platforms to strengthen community ties.
ABHAYA PLUS:
Launching self-defence programs for girls, fostering empowerment and safety.
Last Mile, First Smile:
A program focusing on delivering government benefits to those at the margins, ensuring no citizen is left behind.
Jana Raj Bhavan:
This people-centric approach began on March 27, 2023, transforming Raj Bhavan into a public space.
Anti-Corruption Cell (ACC):
Petitions and representations are received from the public in the ACC through a dedicated email ID which are then taken up for appropriate action.
Mobile Raj Bhavan:
Initiated during the 2023 Panchayat elections, this concept enabled the Governor’s office to travel to remote areas, ensuring governance continuity and citizen access.
Ground-zero Governor:
Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose has consistently been present at critical events across the state, from violence-affected areas to natural disasters, earning the title of Ground-zero Governor.
SPEED (Simplified Procedure for Early and Effective Disposal):
Introduced to streamline the approval process for state files, involving direct interaction with ministers and secretaries.
Peace Room and Peace Home:
Established in 2024 as a refuge for survivors of political violence, these facilities provide safe spaces for aggrieved citizens.
Aamne Saamne—Direct Access to the Governor:
Understanding that the grandeur of Raj Bhavan might deter the common man from reaching out, the Governor introduced Aamne Saamne, an open-access program allowing any citizen to book an appointment and meet him directly. This initiative bridges the perceived gap and encourages people to bring their grievances and ideas to his attention without hesitation.
Lok Sabha – Grievance Redressal Portal:
In March 2024, Raj Bhavan’s grievance redressal portal was rebranded as Log Sabha. Through this platform, citizens can submit complaints and petitions directly to the Governor, which are then routed to the relevant authorities for timely action.
January to March – Addressing Post-Poll
Violence:
Launched on June 3, 2024, Jan Manch is a dedicated platform to assist those affected by post-election violence, offering immediate support and resources. A rapid response team was constituted to ensure swift aid, with provisions for transport and accommodation for those in urgent need. Raj Bhavan is on call 24/7, responding to distress calls from all corners of the state.
A New Era of Outreach and Connectivity:
The Governor’s initiatives reflect a powerful commitment to inclusive governance, cultural preservation, and federal unity. Each program is a step towards creating a resilient, connected, and prosperous Bengal, with Raj Bhavan serving as a symbol of accessibility and service to the people.
