NewKerala.com

Bengal's Teacher Recruitment Returns After 8 Years Amid Court Scrutiny

West Bengal has finally launched its primary teacher recruitment process after an eight-year gap. The state education board is accepting applications for over 13,000 teaching positions across government schools. This comes at a crucial time as the Calcutta High Court is examining alleged irregularities in previous teacher appointments. Education Minister Bratya Basu emphasized this recruitment will strengthen the foundation of primary education in the state.

Key Points: West Bengal Primary Teacher Recruitment After 8 Year Gap

  • Online applications open for 13,421 assistant teacher vacancies across state schools
  • Recruitment drive marks first teacher hiring in eight years since 2017
  • Process begins as High Court examines alleged irregularities in past appointments
  • Education Minister calls recruitment crucial for strengthening primary education system
2 min read

Bengal launches primary teacher recruitment after 8 years amid HC scrutiny

West Bengal launches recruitment for 13,421 primary teacher posts after 8-year hiatus, while Calcutta High Court examines previous appointment irregularities.

"This recruitment process is going to further strengthen the foundation of primary education - Bratya Basu, Education Minister"

Kolkata, Nov 19

The online application process for the fresh recruitment of primary teachers in state-run schools in West Bengal began on Wednesday, marking the first such drive in eight years.

The new recruitment comes even as the division bench of the Calcutta High Court has completed the final hearing on alleged irregularities in the earlier appointment of about 32,000 primary teachers, with a judgment expected at any time.

The notification for the recruitment of primary teachers was issued in September this year. The West Bengal Board of Primary Education has opened applications for 13,421 vacancies. From Wednesday, candidates who have cleared the Teachers Eligibility Test can apply online for assistant teacher posts in government-approved and government-sponsored primary and junior (basic) schools.

Ahead of the recruitment process, Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu on Tuesday night in a post on X said that the online portal for TET-qualified candidates will open on Wednesday for applications to primary teaching posts, adding that the government views this recruitment drive as a step to strengthen primary education under the chief minister’s leadership.

“From tomorrow, the West Bengal Board of Primary Education is going to open its online portal, where eligible candidates who have cleared TET will be able to apply for the post of Assistant Teachers in government-approved and government-sponsored primary and junior basic schools. It goes without saying that this recruitment process is going to further strengthen the foundation of primary education under the wisdom, guidance and benevolent guardianship of the state's Hon'ble Chief Minister Smt. Mamata Banerjee,” the Minister said in the X post.

The last round of primary teacher recruitment was held in 2017. After nearly eight years, the board has issued a new notification.

Job seekers have repeatedly taken to the streets to press for recruitment, and last Thursday, they held a protest in front of the primary education board’s office in Salt Lake in Kolkata.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I welcome the recruitment, the timing is suspicious. Why launch new recruitment when the court is still hearing about irregularities in previous appointments? This feels like political maneuvering before elections.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Kolkata for work, I'm glad to see the education system getting attention. Primary education is the foundation of any society. Hope qualified teachers get their due this time!
A
Arjun K
My sister has been preparing for TET for 3 years. The uncertainty in recruitment has been mentally draining for many young people in Bengal. Hope this brings some stability to the education sector 🙏
M
Michael C
13,421 vacancies is a significant number. This should help reduce the student-teacher ratio in government schools. Quality primary education is crucial for our children's future.
K
Kavya N
The protests by job seekers were heartbreaking to watch. Young people deserve opportunities without having to beg for them. Hope the process is fair and merit-based this time! 💪

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50