CAT puts on hold reverting DPMs to BPMs in RDD

Srinagar, Aug 12: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Srinagar Tuesday stayed orders by which some District Programme Managers (DPMs) have been reverted to Block Programme Managers (BPMs) in Rural Development Department (RDD).

A bench of D S Mahra (Member (J) passed the order after counsel for the applicants submitted that the applicants were earlier promoted from the post of BPMs to the post of DPMs. However, by the impugned orders, they have been reverted from the post of DPM to BPM, “adversely affecting their service seniority and retiral benefits.”

The bench noted that notice was issued to the authorities on July 29, granting two weeks’ time to them to file a reply. However, no such reply has been filed by the authorities till date, the bench said. The counsel representing authorities sought six weeks’ time to file a reply which was granted by the tribunal.

While listing the matter for further on October 15, the bench ordered: “In the meantime, it is directed that the operation and effect of the impugned orders shall remain stayed, and the applicants shall continue to hold and discharge the duties of the post of District Programme Manager (DPM), until further orders of this Tribunal.”