- (1.) What the petitioners are claiming in this case is that as per Government instructions dated 1.12.1988 (annexure P/3), they are entitled to two increments after completion of 18 years of service by way of proficiency step up. As per respondents, they have given to the petitioners in accordance with the aforesaid instructions, one increment by way of proficiency step up after 8 years of service and another increment by way of second proficiency step up after 18 years of service. The petitioners pray that in fact after 18 years of service, they are entitled to two increments. Para 1 of the instructions on which the petitioners stake their claim is in the following terms : "Subject to suitability, besides the regular annual increment, one additional increment on each occasion on completion of 8 years and 18 years service or after the appointed day (as defined in Punjab Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 1988 published in Punjab Government Gazette (Extra) on 18.9.1988) against a post in the form of proficiency step up(s) shall be granted to all the Punjab Government employees except the Members of Punjab Civil Services (Executive Branch) Deputy Superintendents of Police and Members of the Punjab Forest Services Class-II." Further the instructions clarify that if a person already completed more than 18 years of service before the instructions were given effect to, then necessarily two increments would be given provided such an employee must not have been given an increment on completion of 8 years of service. Notionally it will be two increments, one at 8 years and other at 18 years of service.
(2.) Para 1 of the instructions clearly stipulates that besides regular increment, one additional increment on each occasion on completion of 8 years and 18 years of service would be given to an incumbent. That being so, we find no merit in the claim of the petitioners. Dismissed.;