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Bengal School Job Scandal: Why Governor's Delay Raises Legal Questions

The CBI has informed a Kolkata court that Governor CV Ananda Bose's office hasn't yet sanctioned the chargesheet against TMC legislator Manik Bhattacharya. This delay comes despite the three-month approval period nearing its expiration. Bhattacharya was previously removed as WBBPE president following a Calcutta High Court order. The case involves alleged irregularities in primary teacher recruitment across West Bengal.

Key Points: CBI Chargesheet Against TMC's Bhattacharya Awaits Governor Sanction

  • Governor's office yet to approve CBI chargesheet against TMC legislator Manik Bhattacharya
  • Three-month sanction deadline for chargesheet approval expiring soon
  • Bhattacharya removed as WBBPE president following Calcutta High Court order
  • Parallel probes by CBI and ED uncover teacher recruitment irregularities
2 min read

Bengal school job case: Raj Bhavan yet to give sanction for chargesheet against Trinamool legislator

CBI awaits Governor's sanction for chargesheet against TMC legislator Manik Bhattacharya in Bengal primary teacher recruitment scam as three-month deadline nears.

"The three-month period for the chargesheets against Bhattacharya and Bagchi is set to expire soon - CBI Counsel"

Kolkata, Nov 7

The office of Governor C.V. Ananda Bose is yet to give sanction to the chargesheet of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Trinamool Congress legislator and former president of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE), Manik Bhattacharya, in the case related to irregularities in the recruitment of primary teachers, the central agency informed a court in Kolkata on Friday.

The CBI's counsel also informed the special court that the office of the Governor was yet to give sanction to the chargesheet against former secretary of the WBBPE, Ratna Bagchi, in the same matter.

As per protocol, the sanction to the chargesheet against Bhattacharya and Bagchi was necessary since both were holding official portfolios in an autonomous body under the state government. The sanction from the office of the Governor to such chargesheets is required within three months from their date of filing.

However, the CBI counsel informed the special court on Friday that the three-month period for the chargesheets against Bhattacharya and Bagchi is set to expire soon, and the central agency expects to get the nod anytime now.

Bhattacharya was removed from the chair of the WBBPE following an order of the Calcutta High Court. Thereafter, he was arrested and later was released on bail.

Though never arrested, Bagchi was questioned in the matter a number of times by the officials of both CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED), conducting parallel probes in the matter.

On October 3 this year, the CBI submitted its fifth and final chargesheet in the case including the names of 3 more people, i.e. Manik Bhattacharya, Ratna Bagchi, and Bivas Adhikari, whom the central investigation agency has identified as a middleman in the recruitment scam.

As per the final chargesheet of the CBI, Adhikari was the president of an association of private Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) and Diploma in Elementary Education (DLED) colleges in Birbhum district, and he used that chair to push candidates for appointment as primary teachers in different state-run schools against hefty payments.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As a parent, this makes me so angry. These people played with our children's education for money. The middleman Bivas Adhikari running a racket from B.Ed colleges - this shows how deep the corruption runs in our education system. 😠
A
Arjun K
The three-month deadline is about to expire. Why the delay from Raj Bhavan? Justice delayed is justice denied. Thousands of deserving candidates lost their opportunities because of these scams.
S
Sarah B
While I support thorough investigation, I hope this isn't becoming a political tool. Both CBI and state government should work transparently. The focus should be on reforming the system, not just targeting individuals.
V
Vikram M
Fifth chargesheet in this case! Shows how massive this scam is. These middlemen and officials have destroyed the dreams of so many qualified teachers. Hope justice is served soon. 🙏
K
Kavya N
The Governor's office should explain the reason for delay. Public has the right to know. Education scams hurt the poorest sections the most - those who can't pay bribes for jobs.

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