Of Grade Pay Issue of IPs
As the Govt. sits over the proposal of upgradation of GP of IPs taking CAT case (in OA No.381/2010 in Ernakulam Bench) as the pretext, the IPs and ASPs across the country helplessly wait and watch the development of the CAT case with keen interest. It is mentioned (vide link: http://aipif.blogspot.com/2010/07/our-cat-case-posted-on-260710-monday.html/ ) that the CAT case which was scheduled for hearing on 19.07.2010 is posted to 03.08.2010 for further hearing as the Counter Affidavit has not yet been filed by the Respondents.
As the facts stand, the applicant in the CAT case first resigned from the membership of the AIAIASP and then went ahead in filing the case with the support of like minded IPs across the country. Of course nothing can be done now by IP and ASP cadres except to wait for the outcome of CAT case. Several arguments have been advanced in favour and against the move of going to CAT on the issue. At this stage rationalization of past action will not help. It has to be viewed in the context of something in which both IP (whether direct or promotee) & ASP cadres have equal and undivided interest (as both will benefit from upgradation) and to deal with the case accordingly.
It is very much expected that the Govt. (which does not appear to be in a mood to accept the genuineness of the demand for upgradation of GP of IPs) will oppose the OA advancing same argument by which the upgradation proposals were returned earlier. Let us assume that the Govt. will repeat its stand that IP cadre is not comparable with Inspectors of CBDT / CBEC and Assistants in CSS because of the existence of ASP grade in between IP and PS Gr.B cadres. In such a situation there is need to mention from the applicants’ side that the AIAIASP has already expressed its willingness in writing to the Govt. for merger of IP and ASP cadres. And there is merit and justification for upgradation beyond doubt as the DOP has submitted the proposal to MOF not just once, but twice. The ball is, therefore, in the court of the Govt. to decide whether merger of IP and ASP cadres is necessary or not for granting the upgraded GP.
In retrospect it is observed that the DOP moved with the proposal for upgradation of GP of IPs so slowly that its motives in getting the proposal implemented appeared doubtful. The delay broke the patience and ultimately led to filing of CAT with individual effort as the Association did not think of fighting a legal battle as an entity or of supporting the move for filing CAT case as it was not sure of positive outcome through a legal battle, going by the past experience. The reality is that the interest of the entire IP and ASP cadres is now at stake though the AIAIASP has remained aloof of its involvement in the CAT case. The question is whether the entire IP and ASP cadre can still afford to remain aloof. If something goes wrong in the CAT case (God forbid it does not happen) how can AIAIASP wash its hand of the blame for it? So, will it not be appropriate to offer moral and material support to Mr. Permanand & Co. (it is hoped they will not spurn the offer) for going ahead with the legal battle effectively?
The Orissa Circle Branch of AIAIASP is of the opinion that the AIAIASP (CHQ) should give a serious thought to the issue before anything goes wrong and before it is too late.
NB: The line in italics is modified subsequently alongwith the last line of the posting.
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