O R D E R (ORAL)

The applicant joined as a Jr. Radiographer in ESIC. The Government of India’s Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme was notified on 09.08.1999 and was adopted by the respondents as well. In terms of the scheme, on completion of 12 years of regular service, the applicant was entitled to the grant of the first financial up gradation under the ACP scheme. However, the same was deferred by the respondents for a period of two years, and accordingly, the subsequent up gradation was also deferred by the respondents. It is worthwhile to note that during this period, the ACP scheme was replaced by the Modified Career Progression (MACP) scheme, under which the applicant is entitled to a financial up gradation on completion of 20 years, to be calculated from 16.11.1993, with the 2nd and 3rd MACP due in the year 16.11.2023. The applicant was subsequently promoted to the post of Radiographer in October 2014. With respect to his grievance, the applicant served the respondents with a legal notice on 14.10.2016, followed by a reminder on 16.10.2014. The same was rejected by the respondents by way of an order dated 15/17.9.2014, which is being impugned in the present OA. Aggrieved