The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) has begun recovering salaries from individuals who secured teaching positions through illegal means, following a Supreme Court directive issued last year.

Recovery Process Initiated

District Magistrates across West Bengal have received comprehensive lists of identified unauthorized appointments. District School Inspectors are now serving notices to these individuals, detailing the exact amounts they must repay, including both the principal salary amount and accrued interest.

The recovery action follows rulings from both the Calcutta High Court in 2024 and the Supreme Court last year. The apex court has set a 12% interest rate on the principal amount received by these individuals during their employment period.

Legal Framework for Recovery

The recovery process will be executed under the Bengal Public Demands Recovery Act of 1913. According to this legislation, if any individual refuses or claims inability to repay, authorities can proceed with property confiscation and auction to recover the dues.

Financial Impact on Affected Individuals

Education department officials indicate that each affected individual will need to repay approximately Rs 20-25 lakh, with the exact amount varying based on their service duration and salary scale.

Implementation Challenges

The state government faced criticism from the Supreme Court for delays in initiating the recovery process, with the court demanding explanations for the prolonged implementation. The Mamata Banerjee administration has now accelerated the process following these reprimands.

This recovery drive represents a significant step in addressing irregularities in the state’s education recruitment system and ensuring accountability in public appointments.