Hearing Concludes on Odisha Junior Teacher Recruitment Row, Order Reserved

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court concluded the hearing on Wednesday regarding alleged irregularities in the recruitment process for junior teachers. The court has reserved its interim order, leaving thousands of aspiring educators in anticipation.

The controversy stems from a notification issued in October 2023 for recruiting around 20,000 junior teachers. Some candidates challenged the process, citing discrepancies, prompting the court to intervene.

Petitioners’ lawyer Sameer Kumar Das stated, “Our argument was that the selection list should be prepared district-wise. We produced the first district-preference list during the hearing today. Court wanted an example from us that we also produced. Then the court was probably satisfied.”

He further explained, “Their argument was it is a merit-based selection and it has not been done based on districts. But our argument was – if the resolution says it should be district-based then you have to confine to the district only. On that basis, the hearing was closed and the interim order was extended.”

With the final selection and appointment on hold, the court’s verdict will be keenly awaited by both petitioners and the state authorities. Transparency and adherence to established guidelines are crucial for ensuring a fair and just recruitment process, impacting the lives of numerous aspiring teachers and the future of Odisha’s education system.