CM: Temporary relief, will resolve issue by yr-end

Kolkata: "It's a temporary relief. We are relieved to have got some time now," Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday after Supreme Court allowed "untainted candidates", whose appointments were cancelled earlier this month due to irregularities in recruitment, to continue as teachers till a fresh selection process was completed by the year-end.
"We have been given time till Dec. It means we need not worry about complications related to disbursal of salaries as of now. We were already looking for alternative solutions and so had appealed before Supreme Court. We are happy that the court listened to our appeal," Banerjee said.
Addressing the teachers, Banerjee said, "Amra apnader somosathi, somobyathi (We are with you and feel your pain). Now, don't worry any more and get back to work," and promised to solve the stalemate by the end of this year.
"Some people are saying that this issue will now get dragged till 2026. I assure you that this will be solved by the end of this year. I may make some mistakes while delivering speeches or in my own work. But I never make mistakes when it comes to working for people. Have faith in me," the chief minister said.
Asked about the state's plan for non-teaching staff as the Supreme Court's order pertains only to teacher, Banerjee said the administration would take legal advice on the next course of action.
Education minister Bratya Basu said the next step would be taken after the administration received a copy of the SC order. "A review petition will be filed after consulting legal experts. The state govt stands by the unemployed non-teaching staff." He reiterated that School Service Commission would publish the list of eligible and ineligible candidates by April 21.
"Right after the SC verdict on the first day, I had mentioned that there were reasons to be optimistic too. But an unfortunate incident occurred in Kasba. Today, the first positive step was taken. There are legal steps, and we will traverse it. There is no reason to be impatient," he said.
Calling the SC order a temporary reprieve, Basu said, "Until the dignity of teachers is restored under the CM's supervision, we will make every effort to do everything possible legally. We are determined to follow every step thereafter."