A recent ruling by the Calcutta High Court has invalidated the recruitment of 23,753 teachers and non-teaching staff by the 2016 School Service Commission, citing manipulation of OMR sheets and illegal inclusion of names in the panel. This decision was met with criticism from leader of the TMC, who claimed the state government only wanted to accommodate those who were not hired through proper channels. The case has also led to further investigations by the CBI and ED, resulting in the arrest of several government officials involved in the scam. Meanwhile, the BSEAP is set to announce the AP SSC results today.
Calcutta High Court's Ruling on Widespread School Recruitment Scam
Background
In 2016, the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) conducted a recruitment drive for over 23,000 teaching and non-teaching staff in government-run schools across the state. However, allegations of irregularities and manipulation in the selection process surfaced soon after.
High Court Ruling
In a landmark ruling on November 23, 2022, the Calcutta High Court invalidated the SSC recruitment conducted in 2016. The court found evidence of widespread manipulation of OMR sheets, illegal inclusion of names in the selection panel, and violation of recruitment rules.
As a result, the appointments of 23,753 individuals who had been hired through the SSC were declared void.
Criticism and Investigations
The ruling sparked criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), which accused the state government of political vendetta. The government claimed that the court's decision was unfair and would deprive deserving candidates of their jobs.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched separate investigations into the scam. Several government officials, including the then-SSC chairman, have been arrested in connection with the case.
Board of Secondary Education, Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) SSC Results
The ruling by the Calcutta High Court is unrelated to the Board of Secondary Education, Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) SSC results announced on the same day. The BSEAP SSC results are for the 10th standard public examinations conducted by the board in Andhra Pradesh.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Calcutta High Court's ruling? It invalidates the recruitment of over 23,000 teachers and staff hired through the 2016 SSC examination, exposing widespread irregularities and manipulation in the process.
2. Why was the recruitment process invalidated? Due to evidence of manipulated OMR sheets, illegal inclusion of names in the selection panel, and violation of recruitment rules.
3. What is the status of the individuals who were hired through the SSC? Their appointments have been declared void, and they will have to reapply for the positions if they wish to continue working in government schools.
4. What actions are being taken against those involved in the scam? The CBI and ED are investigating the case, and several government officials have been arrested.
5. Is the Calcutta High Court's ruling related to the BSEAP SSC results? No, the two events are unrelated. The BSEAP SSC results are for the 10th standard public examinations conducted by the board in Andhra Pradesh.
On the birth anniversary of revolutionary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the iconic symbol of India's resistance to colonial rule. PM Modi highlighted Singh's sacrifice and selfless dedication to protecting the self-respect of the motherland, and urged all citizens to remember and honor his legacy. Despite being hanged by the British at the young age of 23, Singh's memory continues to inspire and ignite patriotism in generations of Indians.
On Saturday evening, Chief Minister M K Stalin announced the promotion of his son Udhayanidhi Stalin to the position of Deputy Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu. The cabinet reshuffle also saw the addition of Dr Govi Chezhiaan as the fourth Dalit minister. This decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing power consolidation within the ruling DMK, solidifying Udhayanidhi's growing influence within the party and the government. However, there are concerns about potential internal party tensions and the balance of power in the cabinet. Udhayanidhi's rise also comes amid national attention for his controversial remarks on Sanatana Dharma's role in perpetuating the caste system.
The IDF has announced that they killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with two senior commanders, in airstrikes on Beirut. IDF Chief of Staff, Lt Gen. Herzi Halevi, stated that this was in response to repeated attacks on Israel orchestrated by these individuals. This move follows the recent elimination of another top Hezbollah commander. In a clear message, Lt Gen. Halevi stated that anyone who threatens Israeli citizens will be targeted.
AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal has accused the BJP of "desperately manipulating" voter lists and "eroding democracy" in Delhi elections. He also addressed the issue of misuse of central probe agencies and referenced his letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. While speaking, Kejriwal alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inducted corrupt leaders into his party using various tactics. The chief minister and other politicians expressed confidence that the people of Delhi will not fall for the BJP's conspiracies and will re-elect Kejriwal as the chief minister. However, California has taken some steps towards addressing racial disparities and discrimination, but direct cash payments to descendants of enslaved people have not been introduced yet.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been named as the primary accused in an alleged scam in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The FIR was filed by the Lokayukta police following a court order, and named Siddaramaiah's wife and another individual as secondary accused. This comes after the Karnataka Governor initiated an investigation against the CM for alleged irregularities in land allotment. Siddaramaiah has denied any wrongdoing and refuses to step down from his position.
During her visit to Puducherry, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with Chief Minister N. Rangasamy to discuss the latter's request for special financial assistance. Sitharaman advised the Puducherry government to prepare a detailed sector-wise report for consideration, pointing out the practical difficulties in conceding to the request. However, she promised to prioritize assistance for infrastructure projects and consider requests for assistance from industrial houses looking to set up units in Puducherry. The meeting was also attended by Speaker R. Selvam, Home Minister A. Namassivayam, and BJP legislators.
Activist Snehamayi Krishna, who has been fighting against the misuse of power by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, received a copy of the FIR from the Lokayukta in Mysuru on Friday. The complaint by Mr. Krishna has been upheld as the Supreme Court and has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The activist is confident in proving his allegations with documentary evidence and ensuring that illegal sites allotted by officials are surrendered in the MUDA scam.
Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visited the Ramanarayanam Theme Park in Vizianagaram and inaugurated the Valmiki Ramayana Research Centre. He praised Lord Srirama's ethical and moral values and encouraged youth to learn from his life. Naidu also emphasized the importance of Ramayana as a guide for personality development and called for a society without corruption and discrimination similar to the ideal Ramrajya.
Former Vice-President of India Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu emphasized the concept of equal dharma for all and urged politicians to not disrespect dharma for their vote bank. He inaugurated the Valmiki Research Centre on Ramayana and also participated in the Sri Ramayana Sankharavam conclave. During his visit to Korukonda Sainik School, he stressed the importance of preserving mother tongue and cultural heritage and promoting national unity through learning Hindi.
The central government has announced a marginal hike in minimum wages for workers in the informal sector, effective from October 1. This move, which is part of an adjustment in the Variable Dearness Allowance, aims to alleviate the impact of rising living costs. The announcement comes amid protests calling for higher wages and the repeal of four labour codes. Additionally, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has also announced new minimum wage rates, which are the highest in the country, for workers in the unorganised sector.