West Bengal cabinet approves merger of Madrasah Service Commission with WBSSC

The West Bengal government has begun the process of abolishing the Madrasah Service Commission and merging it with the state’s School Service Commission, paving the way for teacher recruitment in madrasas through the latter, a senior official told PTI on October 8. The decision, approved at a recent cabinet meeting, will require changes to existing legislation before it can be implemented, the official said.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had also announced the proposed move at a programme on October 6 evening, saying the state government would abolish the Madrasah Service Commission and merge it with the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC).

According to the School Education Department, two separate bills are likely to be introduced in the state assembly to facilitate the merger. One bill will seek to repeal the West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission Act, while the other will propose amendments to the WBSSC Act.

“Yes, something regarding this (merger) will be done by this year,” Principal Secretary, Education, Binod Kumar told PTI. After the bills are passed by the assembly, they will be sent to the governor for assent. A gazette notification will then be issued.

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WB to streamline teacher recruitment process

The proposed merger is expected to bring the recruitment of teachers for recognised madrasas under the WBSSC framework, Kumar said. Officials said the move comes as part of the state government’s efforts to streamline the teacher recruitment process and bring greater uniformity to recruitment.

The merger, however, will take effect only after the required legislative changes are approved and the subsequent formalities are completed.

(With PTI inputs)