In the last few years, there is a growing trend among teachers to seek reappointment by appearing in the examination again.

“This year the number of teachers who have re-applied has increased by more than 10 per cent,” said Ranajit Basu, Chairman, SSC.

The number has risen despite the rule that a teacher can re-apply for a post only after completing three years of service, Basu added

School education minister Partho De admitted that it is a serious problem, especially when it comes to filling vacancy in the state-run schools.

“We have been observing the trend and will soon come up with a solution,” he said.

This year, of the total number of candidates selected through SSC, about 40 per cent are already working and have qualified the examination to get schools of their choice.

Of the 10,332 candidates who have qualified this year, more than 4,000 have already been given a posting. The Commission had advertised for 13,431 seats, of which 3,099 seats could not be filled, as the panel could not get adequate number of candidates in the reserved category.

The CPM-backed All Bengal Teachers’ Association (ABTA), meanwhile, feels that there is no solution to this problem. “It is the right of an individual to decide as to where one wants to work,” said Aparesh Bhattacharya, assistant general secretary, ABTA.

“There are two reasons as to why teachers seek re-appointment. Firstly, for appointment to a school of their choice and secondly, seeking appointment with a higher qualification after completing post graduation,” added Bhattacharya.

According to Bhattacharya, the other problem that the commission faces is the lack of availability of candidates in the reserved category.

“We are not getting enough candidates in the reserved category (mostly Scheduled Tribe) for subjects like physics, chemistry and mathematics,” said Basu.