ORDER

Leave granted.

We have heard learned counsel on both sides.

2. This appeal by special leave arises from the order of the Andhra Pradesh Administrative Tribunal at Hyderabad, made on August 19, 1996 in OA No. 2944/93.

3. The appellant was originally appointed as a Teacher Head Master in a Private aided school on November 9, 1959 in the scale of Rs. 45-120. After his passing Secondary Grade Degree Training Examination in the

year 1967, he was granted on December 1, 1967 SGBT scale of Rs. 80-150 w.e.f. the aforesaid date. In view of the fact that the appellant went on improving his qualifications for B.A., M.A., B.Ed. and M.Ed., the authorities went on giving revisions of the pay scale granting advance increments as and when he acquired the qualification on the pay-scale applicable at the relevant time. Impugned proceedings were issued to recover the said amount paid to him on the premise that he was not entitled to the advance increments more than two. The Tribunal has dismissed the petition. Thus, this appeal by special leave.

4. The Government in G.O. Ms. No. 928 Education Department (K) dated September 13, 1977 has envisaged the grant of the additional increment on the minimum qu