A.K. Goel, J. - (1.) This petition seeks quashing of order dated 22.9.2006, Annexure P -5, amending the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) retrospectively.
(2.) Case set out by the petitioners is that they were regular employees of Punjab Tourism Development Corporation Limited. The Department of Disinvestment formulated a VRS scheme, which was notified on 24.2.2003, Annexure P -2. As per para 6 of the Scheme, an employee opting for VRS was entitled to salary of 35 days for every completed year of service and 25 days for every year of balance of service. The petitioners opted for the scheme and the said option was accepted by the concerned respondent on 2.7.2003, but the petitioners were not relieved on the ground that the Corporation did not have the funds to pay the dues. The petitioners have continued to serve except petitioner No. 19 who retired on 31.3.2006. On 22.9.2006 vide Annexure P -5, VRS Scheme has been amended w.e.f. 24.2.2003 providing that employees retained on duty will not be entitled to count service rendered after 2.7.2003 for the purpose of computing Ex -gratia and other benefits.
(3.) In the reply filed on behalf of the State, stand taken is that the employment of the petitioners being a loss making concern, decision was taken with a view to lessen the financial burden after expiry of six months from the date of issuance of original notification dated 24.2.2003 in the financial interest of the Public Sector Undertaking.;