Bratya Basu calls Supreme Court verdict a relief, urges teachers to return to work

After the Supreme Court’s verdict on Thursday, West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu expressed cautious optimism about the ongoing teachers' recruitment controversy. Speaking to reporters, he described the verdict as a "relief" and a "hopeful" sign for the government. However, he stressed that true relief would come only when the rights of the deprived and deserving candidates are fully restored.

Basu reassured that the state government, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's leadership, stands firmly with the deprived candidates. "Until we can restore the full status of the deprived and the deserving, there is no relief. The Chief Minister is with the deprived, the government is with them," he stated.

Appealing once again to the agitating teachers, Bratya Basu urged them to return to their duties without fear. He emphasized that the government and the Chief Minister would continue to extend all necessary legal support to them. "We had already said that you should return to work. The government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are by your side with all legal support and will be," he reiterated.

When questioned about whether a list of teachers allowed to resume duties would be published, Basu made it clear that there was no such directive from the Supreme Court. "In today's verdict, the Honorable Court did not say that any list of teachers will be published with those who will go to school from tomorrow. Therefore, there is no question of publishing such a list," he clarified.

However, he reminded that the School Service Commission (SSC) had earlier scheduled an important step. As per the previous announcement, the SSC will examine the entire panel on April 21 and will subsequently release a list identifying qualified and ineligible candidates.

The Education Minister’s comments underline a careful and legally guided approach by the government as it navigates the complex situation. All eyes are now on April 21, when the SSC's findings will be made public and could significantly impact the future of the recruitment process.