SUBHASH CHANDER Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners are Coaches in Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, the third respondent. The first petitioner is a Judo Coach while the second petitioner is a Wrestling Coach. They have been in the service of the University since October, 1995.

(2.) By way of this writ petition, they seek a direction to the State and the University to grant them Senior Scale (Rs.10000-15200) with effect from 20.10.2001, upon completion of six years of service, and Selection Grade Scale (Rs.12000-18300) with effect from 20.10.2006, upon completion of five years in the Senior Scale, with all consequential benefits, as per the Career Advancement Scheme prevalent at the relevant point of time. The petitioners cite the instance of Dr. Ravinder Singh Rana, an identically situated Boxing Coach in the University, who was extended such relief. They seek a consequential direction to the authorities to release the arrears of their revised pay with 18% interest per annum.

(3.) It is not in dispute that the University passed a Resolution on 21.07.2007 (Annexure P-3), through its Executive Council, approving the proposal to treat Coaches in the University on par with Teachers, as per the pattern followed by Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. The same was subject to the approval by the Government of Haryana. It is an admitted fact that the Government approved this proposal. As per the Career Advancement Scheme (Annexure P-8) applicable to Teachers of the University, an incumbent was eligible for placement in the Senior Scale of Rs.10000-15200 upon completion of six years of service after regular appointment. However, if the incumbent possessed Ph. D qualification, he was entitled to such placement after four years and if he possessed M. Phil qualification, after five years. Such placement was also subject to his participation in one refresher and one orientation course/summer institutes, each of approximately four weeks duration, or being engaged in other appropriate continuing education programmes of comparable quality, as specified or approved by the University Grants Commission. Similarly, a Senior Scale Teacher was eligible for placement in the Selection Grade of Rs.12000-18300 upon completion of five years of service in the Senior Scale. This was again subject to his participation in at least two refresher courses/ summer institutes, each of approximately four weeks duration, or his engagement in other appropriate continuing education programmes of comparable quality as specified or approved by the University Grants Commission.