Today, On 20th June, Calcutta High Court restrained the West Bengal government from giving monetary aid to ‘jobless’ Group C and D school staff, citing a flawed selection process flagged by the Supreme Court. Relief put on hold till September 26.
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has temporarily prohibited the West Bengal government from implementing a scheme until September 26 that would provide financial assistance to non-teaching staff who lost their jobs following a Supreme Court ruling declaring the selection process flawed.
The court, On June 9, had reserved its judgment on petitions challenging the state’s plan to pay Rs.25,000 to Group C employees and Rs.20,000 to Group D employees who were affected by the Supreme Court’s decision.
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In an interim order, Justice Amrita Sinha instructed the state government not to proceed with or enforce the scheme for monetary relief to non-teaching staff until September 26, or until a further order is issued, whichever comes first.
She also directed the state government to submit its affidavit addressing the petitioners’ claims within four weeks, with the petitioners allowed to respond within two weeks after that.
The West Bengal government had proposed this scheme to provide “limited livelihood, support and social security on humanitarian ground” on a temporary basis to the distressed families of non-teaching staff in Group C and D categories, who were hired through the 2016 selection process conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission.
Around 26,000 teaching and non-teaching staff in West Bengal government-sponsored and -aided schools have lost their jobs due to the Supreme Court ruling, which found the 2016 selection process to be tainted.
Group C and D school employees typically refer to non-teaching staff members who support the day-to-day functioning of schools.
Group C employees generally include clerical and technical staff such as junior clerks, lab assistants, library assistants, data entry operators, and office assistants. They handle office work, maintain records, assist in laboratories, and ensure that administrative tasks are completed efficiently. Their work ensures that schools are well-managed and that educational activities run without disruption.
Group D employees usually perform manual and maintenance-related duties. This group includes peons, sweepers, watchmen, helpers, and attendants. They are responsible for keeping the school clean, secure, and functional. Although their work often goes unnoticed, these employees provide critical support that directly affects the learning environment for students and the working conditions for teachers.
Case Title: Prokash Mandal & Anr v The State of West Bengal & Ors
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