The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, has announced the state government’s decision to facilitate a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of teachers in Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA)-run schools in the Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong regions. Despite a previous directive from the Calcutta High Court for a CBI investigation, the former state government, led by Mamata Banerjee, had challenged this in the Supreme Court. However, CM Adhikari has now revealed plans to withdraw the case from the apex court, paving the way for the CBI to proceed with the probe.
“Over 400 teachers were reportedly hired unlawfully in GTA-run schools. Following the High Court’s approval for a CBI inquiry, the previous state government sought a stay order from the Supreme Court. Nevertheless, the current state administration will discontinue its involvement in the case, allowing for the initiation of a CBI investigation,” stated the Chief Minister during a media briefing. This move is expected to eliminate obstacles hindering the CBI’s examination of the matter.
The controversy surrounding the irregular recruitment of teachers in GTA-run schools has also implicated former West Bengal Education Minister and ex-Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee. Allegations suggest that proper recruitment procedures were disregarded, leading to the appointment of teachers without adequate verification of their credentials. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration is presently under the control of the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), founded by Anit Thapa, with Thapa serving as its Chief Executive. The BGPM is aligned with the Trinamool Congress in the hills.
