6,900 Teacher Recruitment Candidates to Launch Fresh Protests in Lucknow Starting August 29
Tension is once again brewing in the capital of Uttar Pradesh as nearly 6,800 reserved category candidates from the contentious 69,000 assistant teacher recruitment drive prepare to stage a massive sit-in protest starting August 29. The aspirants remain adamant in their demands for immediate appointments and a formal high-level delegation meeting with the Chief Minister, citing years of unfulfilled promises and prolonged legal battles.
Years of Struggle and the Core Demands
The agitating candidates claim they have been locked in a grueling battle for justice spanning nearly seven years. The core controversy stems from alleged irregularities and non-compliance with reservation rules during the execution of the 69,000 assistant teacher recruitment process. Following massive protests in the past, the Basic Education Department had published a revised selection list comprising 6,800 reserved category candidates on January 5, 2022. However, despite the official release of the list, the shortlisted individuals were never granted formal appointment letters. The candidates maintain that their upcoming demonstration is entirely peaceful and aimed solely at securing their constitutional rights rather than infringing upon anyone else's opportunities.
Supreme Court Proceedings and Previous Agitations
The legal battle surrounding the recruitment has witnessed countless twists and turns, currently pending adjudication before the Supreme Court under a bench previously led by Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice George Massey. With fears that bench modifications could further prolong final verdicts, candidates have chosen to return to the streets. Historically, reserved category aspirants staged a historic 640-day continuous sit-in protest beginning June 16, 2022, which saw extensive demonstrations across Lucknow and the residences of prominent state ministers before winding its way through the Allahabad High Court up to the apex court.
