CHIKHUTA PURO Vs. STATE OF NAGALAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. E.Y.Renthungo, learned counsel for the petitioner, Mr. L. S. Jamir, learned Addl. Sr. Govt. Advocate for the respondents Nos. 1, 2 & 3, Mr. A. Zhimomi, learned counsel for the respondents Nos. 4 & 5 and Mr. C. T. Jamir, learned counsel for the respondent No. 6.

(2.) The petitioner was appointed as Assistant Project Officer, Class-U. Gazetted under the State Rural Development Agency vide order dated 25.11.83. After rendering about 5 yearsof service the petitionerwas promoted to the post of Deputy Project Officer Class-I Gazetted vide order dated 13.7.87. By order dated 4.12.90 the petitioner was further promoted to the post of Deputy Project Director Class-I Gazetted. Thereafter the petitioner was promoted to the post of Officer on Special Duty vide order dated 5.5.93.

(3.) In the year 1996 the Government constituted a High Power Committee with the following terms and reference: (1) To review the structural organization of the Directorate of rural Development and recommend suggestions if any for future set up. (2) The Committee to submit report within 45 days from the date of notification. The Committee accordingly, submit its report on 8.8.96 along with its recommendation. One of the recommendation of the Committee is to absorb the entire staff of the DRDA into the Department of rural Development by creating appropriate numbers and level of posts and thereafter the department to redeploy new man power into the DRDA set up. After the said recommendation was made by the Committee the Cabinet vide office memorandum dated 5.11.96 in Agenda No. 13 decided to absorb the DRDA staff both Gazetted and Non-Gazetted into the Rural Development Department. The said Cabinet decision was slightly modified by the Corrigendum dated Nil November 1996 by providing for up gradation of 28 posts of Joint EDO and BDO and for creation of new posts.