In a major development that could significantly impact more than 15,000 government school teachers in Karnataka, the Kalaburagi Bench of the Karnataka High Court has set aside the 2023 GPSTR (Graduate Primary School Teacher Recruitment) selection lists for the Kalyana Karnataka region.
The judgment has created uncertainty over the future of thousands of teachers who are already serving in government schools, while offering fresh hope to candidates who had challenged the recruitment process.
High Court Quashes Selection Lists:
The High Court cancelled both the provisional and final selection lists published in February and March 2023 for the recruitment of Graduate Primary School Teachers (Classes 6 to 8) in the Kalyana Karnataka region.
The petitions alleged irregularities in implementing reservation norms and the allocation of posts between Hyderabad Karnataka (HK) and Non-Hyderabad Karnataka (Non-HK) candidates. After hearing the petitions, the court ruled that the recruitment process did not comply with the prescribed provisions.
Apart from cancelling the selection lists, the High Court also quashed:
The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) circular dated February 1, 2023.
The Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal (KSAT) order dated January 31, 2024.
Fresh Recruitment Process Ordered:
The Karnataka Government had issued a notification to fill approximately 15,000 GPSTR posts. However, disputes arose over the implementation of reservation benefits under Article 371(J) of the Constitution for local candidates of the Kalyana Karnataka region, particularly regarding the allocation of vacancies between HK and Non-HK categories.
The High Court has now directed the School Education Department to conduct a fresh recruitment process by strictly following the provisions of Article 371(J) and preparing a new merit-based selection list after considering all eligible candidates.
Three-Month Deadline:
The court has instructed the Education Department to complete the entire recruitment process within three months from the date of receiving the certified copy of the judgment and issue fresh appointment orders to eligible candidates.
Uncertainty Over Serving Teachers:
The verdict has raised serious concerns about the future of nearly 15,000 teachers who have already been appointed and are currently serving in government schools.
The government is yet to clarify whether these appointments will continue or whether changes will be made after the preparation of a fresh selection list. As a result, thousands of teachers and their families are facing uncertainty.
Aspirants Await Further Clarity:
Meanwhile, candidates awaiting recruitment are closely watching the government’s next move. They are expecting clear guidelines on district-wise vacancies, category-wise allocation of posts, school allotment, merit rankings, and a transparent digital recruitment process.
A Landmark Judgment:
The High Court’s verdict marks a significant turning point in Karnataka’s GPSTR recruitment process. With a three-month deadline in place, the responsibility now rests on the Education Department to conduct a fair, transparent, and legally compliant recruitment process in accordance with the provisions of Article 371(J).
