M K RAMADOSS Vs. GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS writ appeal is directed against the order passed by the learned single Judge in a matter relating to payment of incentive increments. Incentive increments for teachers were first introduced in G.O.Ms.No.42, Education Department, dated 10.1.1969. Qualifications were prescribed in the said Government Order, but these higher qualifications entitling a person or the claim of incentive increments were to be acquired in usual course by regular study. After some years of issuance of the said Government Order, Distance Education System was introduced and the Universities started giving degrees both at Under Graduation and Post Graduation Levels under the caption "Open University Degrees". Series of representations have been made, which culminated in the issuance of G.O.Ms.No.307, School Education (E7) Department, dated 15.12.2000, by which the Post Graduate Degrees have been recognised as equivalent to the degrees obtained by regular stream of study. In so far as the equivalence of the degrees is concerned, there cannot be any issue now, because of the issuance of G.O.Ms.No.307 referred to above.

(2.) THE question for consideration is as to whether the incentive increments, which were hitherto granted by the issuance of G.O.Ms.No.42, dated 10.1.1969, are payable with effect from the date of passing of the Open University examination or the date of the above beneficial order in G.O.Ms.No.307. It is not disputed that but for this G.O.Ms.No.307, dated 15.12.2000, the appellant was not entitled to claim any incentive increment.

(3.) FOR the reason mentioned supra, we dismiss this writ appeal. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is also dismissed. No costs.