Heard Mr. Manoj Tandon on behalf of the petitioner and Mr. Amarendra Pradhan on behalf of the respondents.

2. Counter and rejoinder affidavits have been exchanged and since the pleadings are completed, both the counsel have agreed that the writ petition be decided at the stage of 'Admission' itself.

3. The prayer in the instant writ petition is for a direction commanding the respondents to extend the benefits of first Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme to the petitioner w.e.f. 9th August, 1999 and second A.C.P. w.e.f. 6th February, 1993 (sic-2003 ?).

4. The admitted facts are that the petitioner joined the Department as an Assistant Engineer on 6th February, 1979 and he completed period of 12 years on 6th February, 1991. The Scheme of ACP was implemented first time on 14th August, 2002 by virtue of which, it was stipulated that an employee who has successfully completed 12 years of service, he shall be given the benefits of ACP Scheme and on completion of 24 years, he shall be given the benefits of second ACP as well. This benefit was granted to the employees with an embargo that in the event the date of completion of 12 years or 24 years fall prior to 9th August, 1999 then