Document Fragment View

Matching Fragments

421. 4.1 It is submitted that on interpretation of very MACP Scheme, it is observed and held by this Court that the employees are entitled to the grade pay as provided under the MACP Scheme which has been framed on the recommendations of the pay commission. It is submitted that on interpreting MACP Scheme, it is specifically observed and held by this Court that MACP Scheme envisages merely placement in the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of the recommended revised pay bands and grade pay as given in Section 1, Part A of the First Schedule of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 and has nothing to do with the next promotional post.

6. We have heard learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respective parties.

7. At the outset it is required to be noted that the issue involved in the present appeal is as such squarely covered by the decision of this Court in the case of M.V. Mohanan Nair (supra). By detailed judgment and order this Court has interpreted the very MACP Scheme and it is observed and held that under the MACP Scheme employees are entitled to the immediate next higher grade pay as given in Section 1, Part A of the First Schedule of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. It is specifically observed and held by this Court in the aforesaid decision that MACP has nothing to do with the next promotional post and what the employee would be entitled would be the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of the recommended revised pay bands and grade pay as given in the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. As per clause 8.1 of the MACP Scheme ‘consequently upon the implementation of Sixth CPC’s recommendations, grade pay of PB­2 and PB­3 would be Rs.5400. It specifically provides that the grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB­2 and Rs.5400 in PB­3 shall be treated as separate grade pays for the purpose of grant of upgradations under the MACP Scheme’. Therefore, respondent Nos.1 &2 as PB­2 shall be entitled to the next grade pay of Rs.5400 as per clause 8.1 and as per Section 1, Part A of the First Schedule of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. The High Court has allowed the grade pay of Rs.6600 by considering the next promotion post of Assistant Director i.e., Deputy Director which carries a grade pay of Rs.6600.

However, the aforesaid interpretation would be contrary to the MACP Scheme. On considering the relevant clauses of the MACP Scheme, it appears that the MACP Scheme envisages placement in the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of the recommended revised pay bands and grade pay as given in Section 1, Part A of the First Schedule of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. Thus, the High Court has committed a grave error in allowing the grade pay of Rs.6600 ­ the grade pay which was available to the next promotional post as Deputy Director. Respondent Nos.1 & 2 as per PB­2 were entitled to the grade pay of Rs.5400 as PB­ 3 as per clause 8.1.

However, we observe that the view which we are taking is on the premise that neither the MACP Scheme nor Clause 8.1 is under challenge and as per the law laid down by this Court in M.V. Mohanan Nair (supra), an employee is entitled to the higher grade pay as provided under MACP Scheme, more particularly, as per Section 1, Part A of the First Schedule of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. Therefore, so long as Clause 8.1 and the grade pay mentioned as per Section 1, Part A of the First Schedule of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 stands, the employee shall be entitled to the grade pay accordingly. Therefore, if any of the employees is aggrieved by Clause 8.1 and if in his opinion, there is any anomaly the same has to be challenged by the aggrieved employee, which can be considered in accordance with law and on its own merits. However, as the same is not under challenge, we have to go by the MACP Scheme as it is.