West Bengal to Approach Supreme Court on GTA Teacher Recruitment Scam

West Bengal plans to ask the Supreme Court to lift the stay on a CBI investigation into the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration teacher recruitment scam involving over 400 alleged illegal hires. The state also announced the establishment of a special inquiry and other measures to combat corruption.

The West Bengal government will petition the Supreme Court to lift its suspension of a CBI investigation into the alleged teacher recruitment fraud within the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). This probe, initially permitted by the Calcutta High Court, was halted by the former Trinamool Congress administration.

During a recent meeting with Gorkha Janmukti Morcha figures, Suvendu Adhikari revealed over 400 teachers may have been recruited unlawfully. He instructed the chief secretary to exit the Supreme Court stay and promote the CBI's inquiry. Furthermore, he announced a special team would scrutinize corruption claims related to the 'Amrut Prakalpa' water scheme.

Adhikari highlighted financial discrepancies in civic services for the hills, noting multimillion-rupee budgets remained unutilized. Plans include a comprehensive scheme with local MPs and MLAs to improve amenities, while addressing ongoing issues in the tea sector and allocating aid to families affected by last year’s natural disaster.

An emphasis will be placed on timely pre-monsoon preparedness, with enhanced collaboration with federal relief teams. Administrators will be appointed in key municipalities to ensure efficient service delivery, except for Darjeeling, which remains under separate oversight.