West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) published a list of 1,804 teachers deemed ‘tainted’ in relation to the 2016 State Level Selection Test (SLST). This action was taken following a directive from the Supreme Court on August 28, which mandated the commission to disclose the names within a week.
The list, which was made available at 8pm on the commission’s website, contains the names, roll numbers, and serial numbers of the affected candidates. WBSSC officials have stated that these individuals will be prohibited from participating in any forthcoming recruitment examinations.
“In compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive, we have uploaded the list featuring the names of 1,804 candidates identified as tainted. The names are organized alphabetically alongside their roll numbers and serial numbers,” remarked an official from the school service commission.
The official further explained that the tainted candidates had either manipulated OMR sheets or ascended ranks through the assistance of influential individuals. The commission noted that out of the 25,753 appointments annulled by the Supreme Court’s verdict on April 3, 5,303 teaching and non-teaching personnel were classified as tainted. Among these, 1,804 are teachers, while the count of untainted teachers is reported to be 15,803, as per the official’s statement.
Education Minister Bratya Basu informed reporters, “As instructed by the esteemed Supreme Court, we are adhering to all necessary procedures.” On Friday, SSC chairman Siddhartha Majumdar conveyed to PTI, “The commission’s legal team has already provided an undertaking to the apex court, assuring the submission of the list of ‘tainted’ candidates within a week. The process is progressing smoothly, and this is the extent of information we can share.” Addressing concerns regarding tainted individuals receiving admit cards for the upcoming SLST exams scheduled for September 7 and 14, the official added, “Our legal representatives assured the apex court on record that not a single tainted candidate will be permitted to engage in the new recruitment process.” “The examinations are proceeding as planned, and we are committed to ensuring complete transparency,” the official concluded.
The lists of disqualified non-teaching candidates in Groups C and D are expected to be uploaded shortly, according to officials.
In the meantime, Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar remarked, “Although the SSC initially posted a list at 3 PM, it was removed shortly thereafter. The final list was uploaded at 8 PM. We are unable to understand the reason for such a delay. A state agency like the SSC is now under scrutiny due to its actions.” He further stated, “The state and SSC were compelled to postpone the release of the tainted list for more than two years following pressure from the Supreme Court. The representatives of the TMC are implicated in this scandal, which has caused distress to countless eligible teachers.”
