In a significant development for West Bengal’s education sector, the Election Commission has exempted 24 School Service Commission (SSC) officials from election duty. This move ensures that the ongoing recruitment process for over 25,000 teaching and non-teaching posts—mandated by the Supreme Court—will proceed without hindrance. Justice Krishna Rao of the Calcutta High Court lauded the Commission’s proactive stance while disposing of the case on Thursday.

The SSC had moved the High Court on March 25, arguing that out of its 35 essential staff members, 24 had been drafted for polling duties. With only 11 staff remaining, conducting interviews and fulfilling the Supreme Court’s August 31, 2026, deadline was deemed impossible. The legal counsel emphasized that SSC, as an autonomous body, needed its workforce to handle the massive task of re-appointing teachers following the cancellation of 25,753 jobs by the apex court.

Following the court’s intervention, the Additional District Magistrate (LR) confirmed on April 1 that the officials were released from their election roles. This decision allows the SSC to focus entirely on the transparent recruitment of teachers for Classes 9 to 12. With this hurdle removed, the commission is now back on track to meet the judicial deadline and stabilize the state’s schooling system.