JBT recruitment scam: Teachers may lose promotions they got after HC nod

The 3,032 Junior Basic Trained (JBT) teachers, who were recruited during the INLD regime in 1999-2000, are in the dock following a special CBI court on Wednesday convicting former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala, his MLA son Ajay Chautala and two IAS officers among 55 people for their role in the recruitment of teachers scam.

Many among these teachers had approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court pleading that they should be promoted. Following directions from the high court, these teachers, currently posted in various primary schools of Haryana, were promoted.

"Many among these 3,032 JBT teachers had approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking directions to promote them. However, since the case was pending in the CBI court, the government was not promoting them. In fact, we had even filed an affidavit in the court stating that since the case was pending, we could not promote them," Education Minister Geeta Bhukkal said.

She added: "But the high court issued directions, based on which, many of these teachers were given promotions. Now, since this special CBI court has convicted many people for making such recruitment, we will move the Punjab and Haryana High Court again to seek further directions in the matter."

According to legal experts, these teachers, who were erroneously recruited, would also face legal repercussions, as they were party to the crime. "If the person who takes a bribe is convicted, the person who has given the bribe is also equally guilty of the crime. In this case, while the then chief minister and his team acted as facilitators, the teachers were beneficiaries. One paid the illegal gratification, the other accepted it. Both stands equally responsible," a senior lawyer said.

When contacted, Director (Elementary Education) Abhey Singh Yadav said: "I cannot say what action will be taken against all teachers who were recruited at that time. Till we get a copy of court order, nothing can be said. It is up to the court to decide. Whatever decision the court takes, we will abide by it. As far as the government is concerned, there is no move on this as of now."

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