YENGKHOM ASHALATA DEVI Vs. STATE OF MANIPUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. HS. Paonam, learned Sr. counsel assisted by Ms. Lekhakumar, learned counsel appearing for petitioners; Mrs. L. Monomala, learned GA appearing for the respondent nos. 1 & 2; and Mr. R.K. Deepak, learned Sr. counsel assisted by Mrs. L. Monica, learned counsel appearing for the respondent no. 3.

(2.) It is the case of the petitioners that all the petitioners were appointed as Field Assistant (FA) in the Agriculture Department by an order dtd. 7/1/2022 and that they all possesses the Educational Qualification of B.Sc/M.Sc (Agri/Horti). As all the petitioners has been appointed on 7/1/2022 and they have rendered more than 3 years regular service and as such, they are eligible and qualified to be considered for promotion to the higher post of Assistant Agriculture Officer/Equivalent in the Agriculture Department.

(3.) It is also the case of the petitioners that under the Department of Agriculture, Manipur Assistant Agriculture Officer and other post with identical scale of pay and similar duties (this will be known as the cadre of Assistant Agriculture Officer) Recruitment Rules, 2014 it is inter alia provided that Field Assistant (FA)/Village Extension Worker (VEW) or its equivalent possessing degree in B.Sc (Agri/Horti) from a recognized university with 3(three) years regular service in the grade are eligible and qualified for promotion to the post of Assistant Agriculture Officer/ Equivalent.