KIRAN SRIVASTAVA Vs. UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Since the facts and issues involved in all these writ petitions are similar and common, I propose to dispose of all the writ petitions by this common judgment'and order.

(2.) The petitioners herein were engaged as Research Associates in terms of the a Scheme introduced by the University Grants Commission somewhere in the year 1983. In terms of the aforesaid scheme, the engagement of the petitioners as Research Associate was, initially for a period of three years which was extendable for another term, for a period, not exceeding two years. The petitioners as Research Associates are seeking for a direction in these writ petitions to the respondent to continue all the petitioners in service till they are regularly absorbed in a suitable post on permanent basis. It is also prayed in the writ petitions that the decision, of the University Grants Commission to scrap the existing Scheme for Research Associates and Research Scientists be set aside, and quashed.

(3.) In order to appreciate the contention raised by the counsel appearing for the petitioners, it is necessary to have a close look into the contents of the Scheme propounded by the Commission. The said Research Associateship was of a fixed value per month. The said benefit was intended to be given to research scholars and teachers below the age of 45, years and-55 years in case of women candidates who have obtained, a Doctorate degree and have published evidence of independent research work. 'Duration of the said Associateship was for a period of three years extendable for another term not exceeding two years on the basis of , progress of work. After promulgation of the said Scheme, applications were invited from those candidates only who have obtained Ph.D .degree for'award of the Research Associateships in Science, Humanities, Social Science, Engineering and Technology, Gandhian studies and subjects of national integration. Such applications were invited by the University Grants Commission at different point of time which was tenable at a University/College or Institution approved under the University Grants Commission Act for receiving Central Assistance. The petitioners applied for as against such advertisements and were selected and engaged as Research Associates initially for a period of three years with a stipulatfon that the same'could be extended for another two years subject to progress of work.