RANJIT KALITA Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) 4 nos. of petitioners have joined together with a common cause of action. The claim raised is towards giving the minimum pay to them and they are also relying upon a notification dtd. 30/10/2019 of the Finance Department, Government of Assam.

(2.) The facts in brief as projected by the petitioners are that they were initially appointed as Pankha Puller in the Office of the Circle Officer, Baghbar and the Office of the Block Development Officer, Mandia and subsequently as Chainman and have been working since 1984. They were getting a minimum pay in lieu of service rendered. On 3/10/2019, a Circular was issued by the Finance Department of the State Government whereby a minimum wage was stipulated for persons who have been since 1995. It is the case of the petitioners that the Circle Officer, Mandia had issued a letter dtd. 13/11/2020 for revision of the pay to the prescribed rate. It is the projected case that while the respondent nos. 7, 8 and 9, who are similarly situated have been given the benefit of such Circular, the petitioners have been left out. The petitioners have accordingly approached this Court by means of this writ petition.

(3.) I have heard Shri AR Sikdar, learned counsel for the petitioners. I have also heard Shri R. Dhar, learned Additional Senior Government Advocate; Shri J. Handique, learned Standing Counsel, Revenue Department; Shri P. Nayak, learned Standing Counsel, Finance Department; Ms. J. Bora, learned counsel representing the Panchayat and Rural Development Department. Shri R. Islam, learned counsel is present for the respondent nos. 7, 8 and 9. Shri Islam also appears for the respondent no. 10, who was subsequently impleaded as party respondent in terms of an order passed by this Court.