The West Bengal School Education Department has initiated the verification process of applications submitted by ‘untainted’ teaching staff who lost their jobs following the Supreme Court’s recent order nullifying the 2016 SSC recruitment. These individuals had previously held state government posts before appearing for the 2016 exam.

A senior official confirmed that the verification process, which began on 20 June, has a strict three-day deadline, concluding today. The move follows the Supreme Court’s 3 April verdict cancelling the appointments of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff, but allowing those not classified as “tainted” and previously employed in government roles to apply for reinstatement to their earlier positions.

District inspectors of schools were directed to verify whether applicants had cleared the 2016 test, were listed as untainted, and remained in service until 2 April. Thousands of applications have been submitted since mid-April, prompting the department to create a zone-wise database.

A circular from the department clarified that representations received at various levels are being consolidated and forwarded to the respective district offices for swift action. Earlier, the SSC had identified over 13,000 “not specifically tainted” individuals who were allowed to remain at their current schools and continue drawing salaries until 31 December.

Despite this interim relief, many affected teachers continue to protest, demanding permanent reinstatement and rejecting the prospect of reappearing for recruitment exams.

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