Bengal SSC candidates stage sit-in over non-appointment

Around 1,000 students who were empanelled after clearing the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) examination, participated in a sit-in demonstration here Monday demanding their appointment in state-run schools.

The agitating youths also sought an appointment with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to resolve the situation. The demonstration was called off Monday evening.

As many as 96 youths started a hunger strike Jan 27 at the WBSSC office in Salt Lake area in east Kolkata, demanding employment in government-aided schools in accordance with their enlistment after passing the exam in 2012.

Monday's sit-in was an extension of the ongoing agitation.

The agitators squatted for most of the day at the busy Karunamoyee crossing in Salt Lake, shouting slogans and waving posters and banners.

A delegation of five students also met Education Minister Partho Chatterjee.

"We were told that the state government could provide jobs to only 252 empanelled youths when there are thousands of such students who have been deprived. Around 1,000 participated in the strike today," a student agitator, Ajijul Islam, told IANS.

"We are waiting for an appointment with the chief minister. We have been assured that the administration is considering our request of meeting here," he said.