ARVIND KUMAR Vs. STATE OF U.P.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) To enhance the skills of available workforce in our country (the Skill Capital of the world), the Industrial Training Institutes1 were established in the 1950s to ensure quality vocational education and training. The present case concerns recruitment of INSTRUCTORS in these prestigious ITIs by the State of Uttar Pradesh [SoUP].

(2.) At the relevant time, the Directorate General of Employment and Training under the Ministry of Labour [since been reorganized and renamed as the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship], was responsible for setting standards for vocational training. The Government of India, through the aforesaid department, issued directions on 24/7/1996 [ No. DGE&T-19 (20) /95-CD] enhancing the existing qualifications for the post of Vocational Instructors and directing the State Governments/Union Territories to amend their existing recruitment rules accordingly. In terms thereof, one of the essential qualifications[5] for a candidate seeking appointment as an INSTRUCTOR in the ITIs was, a certificate under regular Craft Instructor Training Scheme [ CITS] of one year duration. This being a mandatory condition, the SoUP accepted this direction and incorporated changes in the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Training (Instructors) Services Rules, 1991 [1991 Rules] by way of 2nd amendment notified on 8/8/2003.

(3.) Appellants (128 appellants in the main appeals[8], sole appellant in the first, third and fourth connected appeals and 134 candidates/members of a Regd. Society which is representing them) claim to be the holders of certificates issued under CITS.