2L-3L recruitments can take place after OBC survey: Mamata
Times of India | 20 March 2025
123 Kolkata: CM Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said recruitment to fill at least 2 lakh to 3 lakh vacancies in various state govt departments could proceed once the survey to assess community backwardness — and thereby include more groups under the OBC category for reservation — was completed and received approval. The CM added that 1 lakh teacher posts as well as recruitment of doctors had been held up.
Speaking in the assembly, the CM lamented that recruitment was stalled due to court cases filed by opposition parties, and urged them not to "play games" that hindered the process of filling vacancies. "No mischief should be done. You are welcome to play cricket or tennis," she added.
Banerjee expressed satisfaction at Supreme Court allowing the state's plea to conduct a fresh assessment of community backwardness.
"Those against OBC recruitment have moved court, thereby blocking recruitments. Yesterday (Tuesday), there was a hearing in Supreme Court and it was good. I think the matter will be sorted out soon," she said. "They have not stopped our survey, so we will continue it. I think once the survey gets the necessary go-ahead, recruitments could be initiated."
Banerjee said the stalled recruitments — affecting departments such as primary and higher secondary education, health and police — were directly linked to the OBC reservation dispute.
The CM said she was against politics of hatred and creating divisions among people: "We do not believe in the politics of murder or riots. People are getting ready to give a befitting reply to it."
Banerjee reiterated the Bengal model of development was being globally praised.
Bengal govt had on Tuesday informed SC that the state commission for backward classes would conduct a fresh exercise to assess the backwardness of different communities. Appearing before a bench of justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih, senior advocate Kapil Sibal said the exercise would be completed within three months and sought adjournment of the hearing of the case challenging HC's order cancelling OBC certificates issued in the state since 2010.