ZACHELO WETSAH Vs. STATE OF NAGALAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. C. T. Jamir, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. I. Imchen, learned counsel for the petitioners. Also heard Ms. Livika, learned Government Advocate for the respondents.

(2.) This writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India has been filed by the petitioners, namely, Zachelo Wetsah and 51 Others , who are serving as Post Graduate Teachers (herein after referred to as "PGTs") under the Department of School Education Nagaland, Kohima. The above named petitioners were upgraded to the posts of PGT from two different categories of posts, namely, the petitioners Nos. 1 to 12 were upgraded to the post of PGT from the post of Graduate Teachers, whereas, the petitioners Nos. 13 to 52 were upgraded to the post of PGT from the post of Primary Teachers. The petitioners are aggrieved that they are not given grade pay of Rs.4,600.00 (Pay Matrix Level-12) on the basis of the principle of equal pay for equal work.

(3.) The learned senior counsel for the petitioners has submitted that till date only two batches of teachers were upgraded to the post of PGTs on the strength of Cabinet decision taken on that behalf. The first batch was upgraded in the year 2014, whereas, the second batch was upgraded in the year 2020.