Mamata Banerjee Urges Protesting Teachers to Return, Assures Salary Security Amid Job Row

Mamata Banerjee urged protesting Bengal teachers to return to work, promising salary assurance despite a Supreme Court ruling that annulled their appointments. She emphasized that identifying tainted teachers lies with the courts and vowed to support affected staff through legal review while planning a visit to Murshidabad in early May.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to thousands of protesting teachers to resume their duties, assuring them that their salaries and job security are being safeguarded by the state government. Her remarks come amid continued demonstrations outside the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) office in Salt Lake, where affected teachers have been protesting overnight.

The protests erupted following a Supreme Court ruling that cancelled several teaching appointments over irregularities, leaving many educators in limbo. Despite the ongoing demonstrations, Banerjee stressed that the government and judiciary would determine who among the teachers is “tainted” or “untainted,” urging educators to focus solely on their responsibilities in the classroom.

“You don’t need to worry about who is tainted and who is not. You only need to worry about your job and whether your salary comes on time,” she said while addressing an administrative programme in Midnapore. She reiterated her government’s commitment to supporting teachers, stating, “We are with you. Your jobs are safe for now, and salaries will be provided. Please go back to school.”

Banerjee also revealed plans to file a review petition in the Supreme Court on behalf of Group C and D staff who have been affected by the ruling, asking teachers and supporters to place their trust in the judicial process and the administration.

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The chief minister further announced her intention to visit Murshidabad, one of the regions at the heart of the unrest, in early May, as part of efforts to engage with the affected communities and address their concerns directly.