Four Arrested In A Massive School Jobs Scam in Bengal

In something that might not come as a surprise for the educational industry, a massive school jobs scam has come to light in Bengal. In the same connection, primary education board ex-chief has been kept in remand till October 28.

The in-charge, (Chief Metropolitan Magistrate) at Bankshall court has rejected a bail petition of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education’s former president Manik Bhattacharya. Apparently, this has been ensued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) who has been given permission to interrogate the same.

The former primary school board president, was arrested by the ED on October 10 and has remained in custody on an order of the special court till Tuesday of this week. Another central agency, the CBI had initially registered a case against Bhattacharya, who is apparently also an MLA of the ruling Trinamool Congress, in connection with alleged irregularities in appointment of primary teachers.

He is not the first to be arrested. The CBI has already filed chargesheet against 12 people in connection with an alleged scam in the recruitment of assistant teachers for classes nine and ten in secondary and higher secondary schools across West Bengal.

A formal press statement by the CBI has seen a chargesheet been filed against the then advisor of West Bengal Central School Service Commission (WBCSSC); then chairman of WBCSSC; then president of Adhoc Committee at West Bengal Board of Secondary Education; then assistant secretary, WBCSSC; two former programme officers, WBCSSC and six private persons before the Special Judge, Alipore (West Bengal).

There is a chance of a larger conspiracy at hand over this. As of now, the Calcutta High Court has already directed the CBI to look into the alleged irregularities involved in the recruitment of Group-C and D staff as well as teachers in government-sponsored and -aided schools on recommendations of the commission. Also, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is tracking the money trail in the scam.