VIJAY KUMAR KEKDAS LAWHATRE Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. SK Singh, learned counsel for the petitioners and Mr. S Sharma, learned CGC for all the respondents.

(2.) The writ petitioners, who are Charge man Communication (Non-Diploma Holder), by way of this writ petition are praying for the pay scale, as is being given to Charge man Communication (Diploma holders) as they are getting a lesser pay scale, though as per the General Reserve Engineer Force Group 'C' and Group 'D' Recruitment Rules, 1982, hereinafter referred to as the "1982 Rules" , there is only one pay scale of Charge man Communication, earlier known as Charge man signals. Also there is no differentiation or classification of Charge man Signals, as per the 1982 Rules. As per the 1982 Rules, the posts of Charge man Signals has to filled up by way of direct recruitment from candidates having three years recognized diploma license in Electronic/ Communication/ Radio Engineering or equivalent with one year experience. It can also be filled up by way of promotion from Radio Mechanic with 5 years regular service in the Grade in General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) or by deputation. The educational qualification required for appointment as a Radio Mechanic is matriculate. There is no fixed quota for direct recruitment and promotes as per the 1982 Rules and the same is subject to variation dependant on workload.

(3.) The petitioners, who are all non-diploma holders were initially appointed as Radio Mechanic in the General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) in the pay scale of Rs. 132030- 1560-ED-40-2040 from 1983 onwards. The petitioners were thereafter promoted as per 1982 Rules to the posts of Charge man Signals vide order dated 18.07.2003 on the recommendation of the Central DPC held on 04.06.200 Subsequently, the nomenclature "Charge man Signals" was re-designated as Charge man Communication.