K LAXMANNA Vs. GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Since all these Writ Petitions raise common issues of fact and law, they are being heard and disposed of together.

(2.) In pursuance of a scheme framed by it for successful implementation of Polam Badi (Farmer's Field School), the Government of A.P. envisaged appointment of model farmers styled as "Adarsha Rythus". The Government issued G.O. Rt. No. 284, Agriculture and Cooperation (F.P.II) Department, dated 14-03-2007, fixing the eligibility criteria, selection procedure and guidelines etc., for appointment of the model farmers. By another GO viz., G.O. Rt. No. 500, Agriculture and Cooperation (F.P.II) Department, dated 29-04-2008, the duties and responsibilities of these model farmers have been prescribed. By yet another GO i.e., G.O. Rt. No. 818, Agriculture and Cooperation (F.P.II) Department, dated 30-06-2008, the age limit of model farmers was altered.

(3.) It is not in dispute that all the Petitioners herein were subjected to the selection process in terms of the above-mentioned GOs and were accordingly selected as Adarsha Rythus by the District Collectors concerned. It is also not in dispute that in pursuance of the selections made, the Petitioners were imparted training and issued identity cards. As per the conditions laid down in the extant GOs, the Petitioners are being paid Rs. 1,000/- per month as "honorarium'. However, by the impugned memos, the Petitioners' services have been terminated on the ground that their performance is rated as poor. It is these memos, which are challenged in these Writ Petitions.