J.P. SINGH, S/O SHRI B.N. PRASAD Vs. UNION OF INDIA THROUGH SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, GOVT. OF INDIA, NIRMAN BHAWAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By this common order we propose to dispose of these OAs, as common questions of law and facts are involved.

(2.) Briefly stated, facts of the case are that the applicants were initially appointed as Receptionist, except the applicant in OA -1584/2012, who was initially appointed as a Tele Clerk and further promoted to the post of Receptionist in the Directorate of Estates, Ministry of Urban Development, in the pay scale of Rs.4000 -6000, which according to the applicants are equivalent to the UDC grade. The applicants are working on the posts of Receptionist since the years from 1980, 1995, 1996 and 1998 onwards. They were also given the benefit of revised pay scale in the revised pay grade Pay Band -I Rs.5200 -20200+Grade Pay Rs.2400, which was equivalent to the UDC grade consequent upon the acceptance of the recommendations of the VI Central Pay Commission (VI CPC, for short) by the respondents. Since there were no adequate avenues of promotion to higher posts in respect of the category of Receptionist, VI CPC vide its report contained in para -3.8.19 recommended merger of the posts of Receptionist in clerical cadre. At this stage, it will be useful to quote para -3.8.19 of the CPC Report, which is to the following effect: 1. 3.8.19 Insofar as the cadre of Receptionists is concerned, it is observed that the Fourth CPC had recommended merger of these posts with the clerical cadre of the respective ministries. These recommendations are appropriate and in consonance with the general philosophy of this Commission which emphasizes on multi -skilling of all categories of the existing employees so that they are able to perform multiple roles as may be required in discharge of their official duties. The Commission recommends merger of various posts of Receptionists with the clerical cadre in the corresponding pay band and grade pay. In case no corresponding grade pay exists in the clerical cadre, the merger should be made in the immediate higher grade pay available in the clerical cadre.

(3.) The aforesaid recommendation given by the VI CPC in respect of Receptionists was accepted by the Government, which formed part of CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 published in the official Gazette vide order dated 29.08.2008 (Annexure A -3), which is to the following effect: Various posts of Receptionists to be merged with the clerical cadre in the corresponding pay band and grade pay. In case no corresponding grade pay exists in the clerical cadre, the merger should be made in the immediate higher grade pay available in the clerical cadre.