Orissa High Court Sets Aside Merit List for Junior Teacher Recruitment Amid Allegations of Irregularities
Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has intervened in the recruitment process of junior teachers in primary and upper primary schools in the state, setting aside the merit list prepared by the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA). The court’s decision came in response to pleas alleging irregularities in the recruitment procedure.
During the hearing, the High Court not only invalidated the merit list but also rejected the district-wise merit list prepared by OSEPA. Instead, it directed the authorities to prepare a fresh merit list in adherence to the recruitment terms and guidelines.
This ruling follows a series of legal proceedings initiated after notifications were issued on October 23, 2023, for the recruitment of approximately 20,000 junior teachers in Odisha. Subsequently, aggrieved candidates raised concerns over purported irregularities in the selection process, prompting them to approach the High Court.
The High Court’s decision, delivered on Tuesday, signifies a crucial juncture in the ongoing legal battle over the transparency and fairness of the recruitment process. With the merit list invalidated, the fate of numerous aspiring teachers hangs in the balance, awaiting the outcome of the fresh evaluation and selection process mandated by the court.
Notably, the court had concluded hearings on January 31, 2024, after initially addressing the petitions on January 19. During the interim period, the state government was directed to suspend the final selection process and appointment of Junior Teachers, pending further deliberations and rulings.
