DIPANKAR DATTA, J. - (1.) These writ petitions have been heard together and shall stand disposed of by this common judgment and order.
(2.) The petitioners, pursuant to an advertisement published on July 14, 2006 (hereafter the said advertisement), offered their candidature for recruitment as Anganwadi workers. They were selected and offered appointment by the Child Development Project Officer, Budge Budge - 1, South 24 Parganas (hereafter the CDPO), sometime in July 2007.
(3.) Memorandum dated January 25, 2006 issued by the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal (hereafter the relevant department) laid down the guidelines for selection of Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers. Such guidelines were required to be followed to conduct the selection process initiated by the said advertisement. Qualification of Anganwadi workers through direct recruitment was laid down in sub-clause (b) of clause 7, providing for academic qualification. Sub-clause (b) is quoted below: "Minimum Madhyamik/School Final/High Madrasah Examination passed or equivalent examination passed from any recognised Board. Candidates belonging to scheduled castes/schedules (sic scheduled) tribes will be eligible for selection to the post of Anganwadi Workers with a minimum qualification of Class VIII pass. I. All candidates will have to give a declaration regarding her maximum academic qualification. II. Candidates who are graduates will not be eligible for a post of Anganwadi Worker. If a graduate candidate suppresses her academic qualification and if selected to a post of Anganwadi Worker her services will be terminated forthwith without assigning any reason. III. A women candidate may apply for a post of Anganwadi Worker if the result of the final degree examination has not been published before the date of issuing of the notice inviting applications." ;