Kolkata Teachers Protest SSC Job Losses After Supreme Court Ruling, Demand CM's Resignation

The SSC recruitment scam, which came to light in 2022, involved allegations of widespread irregularities, nepotism, and corruption in the appointment of over 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff

Over 26,000 teachers in West Bengal took to the streets outside Bikash Bhawan demanding justice and the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after losing their jobs due to a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the cancellation of the 2016 School Service Commission (SSC) teacher recruitment process.

The protest, marked by clashes with police and allegations of excessive force, underscores the growing unrest among educators affected by the SSC recruitment scam, which has been a focal point of controversy since its exposure in 2022.

The SSC recruitment scam, which came to light in 2022, involved allegations of widespread irregularities, nepotism, and corruption in the appointment of over 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff between 2016 and 2017. The Calcutta High Court initially ruled in 2022 to cancel the entire recruitment process, a decision that was upheld by the Supreme Court on April 22, 2025. The apex court’s verdict confirmed that the process was tainted by illegalities, leading to the termination of all appointments made during that period.

The Supreme Court’s ruling has had a devastating impact on thousands of teachers who had been working for nearly a decade, many of whom are now facing unemployment. The decision has also reignited debates about governance, accountability, and the plight of educators in West Bengal, a state heavily reliant on government jobs for employment.

Massive Protest Outside Bikash Bhawan

On May 15, a large gathering of affected teachers assembled outside Bikash Bhawan, the headquarters of the West Bengal government, to voice their grievances. The protesters, many of whom had traveled from across the state, demanded the immediate reinstatement of their jobs or adequate compensation. They also called for the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her administration of failing to protect their livelihoods despite repeated promises of intervention.

The protest turned violent late in the evening when police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to several teachers. Eyewitnesses reported that the situation escalated after police attempted to clear the area, leading to allegations of excessive force. Videos circulating on social media showed teachers being pushed back and some sustaining injuries, further fueling public outrage.

Demands and Allegations

The teachers’ primary demand is the reversal of the Supreme Court’s decision or, alternatively, the provision of alternative employment opportunities. They argue that the cancellation of their jobs, after years of service, is unjust and has left them in a state of financial distress. Protesters held placards reading “Justice for Teachers” and “Save Our Livelihoods,” while chanting slogans against the state government.

Government Response and Ongoing Tensions

The West Bengal government has faced significant backlash for its handling of the SSC recruitment scam and its aftermath. While the state has acknowledged the teachers’ plight, it has also emphasized the binding nature of the Supreme Court’s decision. Sources within the government indicate that efforts are underway to assess the feasibility of alternative employment or compensation packages, but no official announcement has been made as of May 16, 2025.

The police presence around Bikash Bhawan was heightened on May 16, with barricades reinstated to prevent further gatherings. However, teachers have vowed to continue their demonstration until their demands are met, raising concerns about potential escalation in the coming days.

Many teachers affected by the ruling have shared harrowing personal stories. For instance, a 45-year-old teacher from Murshidabad, who had been working for eight years, described the sudden job loss as a “nightmare” for her family, which relies on her income. Another educator from Kolkata spoke of the emotional toll, saying, “We dedicated our lives to teaching, and now we are left with nothing.”

These personal accounts have resonated with the public, amplifying the call for action and drawing attention to the human cost of the SSC recruitment scam.

The state’s Education Department is expected to convene meetings with stakeholders to explore options, but the timeline for any resolution remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the teachers’ movement is gaining momentum, with plans for further demonstrations and legal challenges to the Supreme Court’s ruling.

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