Judgment

B.P. JEEVAN REDDY, J.

(1) HEARD the counsel for the parties. Leave granted.

(2) THE appeal is directed against the judgment of the division bench of Calcutta High court affirming the judgment of the learned Single Judge declaring that Agragamies in West Bengal Civil Emergency Force are entitled to be placed in the scale of Rs. 280-617 on par with the Firemen in the West Bengal Fire Service. Agragamies were in the scale of Rs. 230- 414. The said pay scales have since been revised to Rs. 980-1756 and Rs. 830-1357 respectively. The relief has been granted applying the doctrine of equal pay for equal work.

(3) THE recruitment and conditions of service of the West Bengal Civil Emergency Force (W.B.C.E.F.) are governed by West Bengal Subordinate Services and Subordinate Other Services (Recruitment of Employees of the West Bengal Civil Emergency Force) Rules, 1975. It consists of several categories including Agragamies. The posts of Agragamies are to be filled by direct recruitment, preference being given to trained West Bengal National Volunteers Force Personnel or ex-service personnel. The educational qualification prescribed is up to Class VI