The controversy surrounding the recruitment of 313 teachers in the hills has escalated into a legal confrontation, with the court granting a stay order on the process amid serious allegations of nepotism, favoritism, and the appointment of under-qualified candidates. The development has brought temporary relief to hundreds of aspirants in a region already grappling with chronic unemployment and limited government job opportunities.
The recruitment issue has triggered widespread concern, particularly among individuals who claim to have dedicated more than 25 years of their lives to the education sector. Many candidates alleged that despite their long service and experience, they were sidelined in the recruitment process, raising questions about transparency and fairness.
Confirming the legal development, Keshavraj Pokhrel stated that a stay petition challenging the recruitment process has been accepted by the court. “The truth can be hidden for a while, but it can never be turned into something wrong,” he said. Pokhrel emphasized that while politics may exist in the hills, it should never come at the cost of people’s homes, livelihoods, or fundamental rights. He stressed that political practices must be rooted in credibility, integrity, and justice.
Pokhrel also acknowledged the swift response of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in addressing the issue. According to him, the petition was filed on the 19th, within 48 hours of the recruitment order being issued. Legal work reportedly began within 24 hours, and by the 22nd, appeals related to the teachers’ files were also submitted. He added that the GTA Chief’s presence in Kolkata for several days reflected seriousness and commitment toward pursuing the matter legally.
Drawing attention to the broader employment crisis in the hills, Pokhrel said that securing Group C and Group D government jobs has become extremely difficult. Referring to the writ petition, he explained that appointments should have been made from 2010 onward, a delay that has affected nearly 1,800 to 2,000 candidates. For many families, he noted, the outcome of this recruitment process directly impacts their livelihoods and economic stability.
Meanwhile, GTA Chief Anit Thapa addressed the issue through a social media post, describing the court’s intervention as his “Christmas gift” to the 313 teachers. In his message, Thapa said he had kept his promise to stand with the teachers, travelling by train from Kolkata to be with them. Expressing confidence in the judicial process, he stated, “Truth never bows down, nor does it ever lose. I always stand on the side of rights and truth.”
Despite the relief brought by the stay order, uncertainty continues to surround the case. As of now, the stay order itself has not been independently accessed or verified, and the detailed legal grounds on which it was granted remain unclear. With the matter still sub judice, affected teachers and candidates are awaiting further clarity and a final resolution from the court.
The case is being closely watched across the hills, as it raises larger questions about governance, employment fairness, and transparency in public recruitment processes.
