Career Advancement Scheme Does Not Entitle Former Employees to Promotion, Court Rules
In a significant judgment delivered by the Calcutta High Court, the bench comprising Justices Madhuresh Prasad and Prasenjit Biswas dismissed a writ petition filed by Balaram Naskar, who sought promotion under the Career Advancement Scheme after having left the cadre of Bhumi Sahayak. The decision, dated November 10, 2025, upheld the West Bengal Administrative Tribunal's earlier rejection of Naskar's claim due to delay and lack of entitlement.
Balaram Naskar, represented by Advocate Mr. Bapin Baidya, contended that his promotion from Bhumi Sahayak to Bhumi Sahayak Grade-I should be granted based on a notification issued on June 25, 2001. The petitioner argued that his claim was not belated, as it was rejected only in 2017, prompting him to approach the tribunal. He further claimed that junior colleagues were promoted, thus entitling him to similar benefits.
However, the State Respondents, represented by Advocate Mr. Arjun Ray Mukherjee, maintained that Naskar was no longer eligible for promotion under the Career Advancement Scheme, as he had already benefited from the scheme in 1994 after completing ten years of service as a Bhumi Sahayak. Crucially, Naskar had transitioned to the role of Revenue Inspector in 1996, ceasing his service in the Bhumi Sahayak cadre before the issuance of the 2001 notification.
The High Court found no infirmity in the tribunal's decision, which relied on the notification date to calculate the delay. The court emphasized that the Career Advancement Scheme is designed to provide financial relief to employees experiencing stagnation in a post, not to facilitate promotions for those who have left the cadre. Since Naskar was no longer part of the Bhumi Sahayak cadre in 2001, the claim based on parity with juniors was deemed baseless.
The judgment reinforces the principles governing the Career Advancement Scheme, clarifying that its benefits are limited to financial enhancements for stagnant employees rather than automatic promotions. The court's decision to dismiss the writ petition marks a pivotal affirmation of established legal principles regarding service law and promotional entitlements.
Bottom Line:
Career Advancement Scheme or time-bound promotion is meant to provide financial benefits to employees facing stagnation in a post and does not grant entitlement to promotion if the employee has already left the cadre.
Statutory provision(s): Career Advancement Scheme, Promotion under Service Law, Notification dated 25.06.2001, West Bengal Administrative Tribunal Act
Balaram Naskar v. State of West Bengal, (Calcutta)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2823019
