S.B. Sinha, J. - (1.) This application is directed against an order dated 8.5.1998 passed by the West Bengal Administrative Tribunal in O.A. 367 of 1996, whereby and where under the application filed by the petitioner herein was dismissed.
(2.) The petitioners case was that they were working as Bengali Translators. They were originally appointed in the scale of pay of Rs. 375/- 650/- which in terms of recommendation of ROPA Rules, 1981 has been revised to Rs. 425 - 1050/- with an initial start of Rs. 455/-. Such higher initial start however, had not been granted in respect of Sub-Divisional Information and Cultural Officers who were getting the scale of Rs. 425/- - 1050/- only.
(3.) Before the learned Tribunal, the petitioners prayed reliefs, inter alia, for revision of their scale of pay. It was held - "We have considered the submissions of both the parties and also considered the materials on record. Admittedly, the Bengali Translators were appointed through Public Service Commission in the year 1987 only, whereas, the officers belonging to subordinate Information Service Grade II have been inducted in service long back. Nature of duties discharged by the Sub-Divisional Information & Cultural Officers cannot be compared to those of the functions of the petitioners who operate their duties in a limited area and hence the application of principle for "equal pay for equal work" in this regard appears to be misconception. Government have the power to upgrade the scale of pay of any group of people considering the work load entrusted from time to time and unless there is any hostile discrimination amongst same group no benefit can be claimed on the ground of equality in pay";