1. Both these writ applications since have been filed for common cause, they have been heard and are being disposed of by this order.

2. These applications are directed against letter no. 5898 dated 30.8.1999 issued by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Finance Department as contained in Annexure-9 whereby and whereunder the Commissioner-cum-Secretary has rejected the representation filed by the petitioners for grant of replacement pay-scale of Rs. 3000-4500. A further prayer has also been made by the petitioners for issuance of writ of mandamus commanding upon the respondents to put them in the replacement payscale of Rs. 3000-4500, in which scale members of the other services have been placed.

3. Precisely, it is submitted by learned counsel for the petitioners that the petitioners were appointed, pursuant to an advertisement and recommendation of the Bihar Public Service Commission, on the post of District Planning Officer in the year, 1983 in the pay-scale of Rs. 1350-2000. Subsequently, the basic pay-scale of Rs. 1350- 2000 was revised as Rs. 2400-4150 and the petitioners remained in the same scale even after submission of the report of the 5th Pay Revision Committee wher