April 7, 2025 | Kolkata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday met a group of sacked teachers who have been protesting against their dismissal. During the interaction, Banerjee expressed solidarity with the teachers, stating, “I can be jailed for this, but I am standing by you.”
The meeting took place amid ongoing protests by thousands of former teachers who lost their jobs following a court order that cited irregularities in their recruitment process. Banerjee assured the gathering that the state government is working on a solution to address their concerns.
However, dissatisfaction remains among many of the affected teachers. Speaking to the media after the meeting, one of the sacked teachers criticized the government’s response, saying, “They are giving us lollipops instead of a real solution. We want our jobs back, not false promises.”
The controversy stems from a recruitment scandal where several appointments made by the West Bengal School Service Commission were declared illegal by the court. The teachers have been demanding reinstatement or alternative employment guarantees.
Banerjee has repeatedly alleged that the judiciary’s interference is politically motivated, while opposition parties have accused the government of mishandling the recruitment process.
The protests are expected to continue as teachers demand concrete steps from the state administration.
