SSC teachers to protest in Delhi; more demonstrations in Kolkata in coming days

A group of teachers and non-teaching staff who lost their jobs following the Supreme Court’s cancellation of the 2016 West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) panel are gearing up for a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday. Around 60 members of the group departed Kolkata by bus on Monday, while others took trains to the capital.

 

The protesters are expected to stage a sit-in demonstration, demanding the reinstatement of their jobs. Their goal is to highlight the “injustice” they say they have faced and bring national attention to their cause, particularly from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.

 

Before leaving Kolkata, members of the Jogyo Shikshak Shikshika Odhikar Mancha (Qualified Teachers’ Rights Platform), the group responsible for the protest in Delhi, stated that while this would be a one-day event, they are prepared to return to the capital if their demands remain unaddressed.

 

In parallel with the Delhi protest, more demonstrations are planned in Kolkata. On April 21, another group operating under the Bonchito Chakriprarthi, Chakrijibi O Chakrihara Aikya Mancha (United Platform of Deprived Job Aspirants, Employees, and Terminated Candidates) has called for a rally to Nabanna, the state government’s headquarters.

 

As part of their outreach efforts, three members of the group visited the Behala residence of Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday, the Bengali New Year. Believing that the former Indian cricket team captain is close to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, they hoped he could mediate and help arrange a meeting. They also wanted him to join their Nabanna rally.

 

But the security personnel outside Ganguly’s house made it clear that such a meeting wasn’t possible, and even the letter could not be accepted. The protesters, who were taken to a local police station, were reportedly informed that they might be able to meet the former BCCI president if they come during office hours on Wednesday, with a prior appointment.

 

On the other hand, the Jogyo Shikshak Shikshika Odhikar Mancha has announced additional programmes in the coming weeks. On April 22, they will march from Sealdah to Raj Bhavan. Protests are also planned for April 23 and 28. A relay hunger strike is set to begin on May 1 and continue until May 7. If their demands are still unmet, they plan to launch an indefinite hunger strike starting May 7.

India