'I'll ensure your salary': Mamata urge protesting teachers to rejoin school

As protests by jobless teachers continue in Kolkata's sweltering heat, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a direct appeal on Tuesday, urging demonstrators to return to work while assuring them of their salaries. “Why are teachers sitting on dharna in the heat? Go to school, I will ensure your salary,” Mamata said, in a bid to end the ongoing standoff with SSC job aspirants.

The protestors, comprising jobless teachers and education workers, have been camping outside the office of the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC), demanding a clear list separating "tainted" and "untainted" candidates. With no list published yet, tensions escalated as they gheraoed the office, forcing even senior officials, including SSC Chairman Siddhartha Majumdar, to remain inside the premises overnight.

In a late-night statement, the Chairman said that the SSC will follow the Supreme Court's directions regarding teacher recruitment. He also clarified that teacher salaries will continue to be distributed through the current mechanism, providing a partial relief to those uncertain about their positions.

Mamata Banerjee also took the opportunity to address her political opponents. “Don’t get influenced by those who took your job,” she said, referring to individuals allegedly involved in corruption during recruitment. She further remarked that opponents are showing their "demonic form" in politics, vowing that truth will prevail.

The Chief Minister announced updates on the state's Banglar Bari housing scheme as well. The first installment of the second phase will be distributed in December 2025, followed by the second installment in May 2026. However, a second installment for ongoing cases will be given from the state treasury as early as May 2025.

She warned citizens not to fall for scams linked to the housing scheme. “If anyone asks you for money for Banglar Bari, file an FIR in your local police station,” she asserted, reinforcing the state’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.