New Delhi: The Central Administrative
Tribunal (CAT) has directed the state-run Indian Tourism
Development Corporation (ITDC) to give preference to its
former contractual workers when they apply for new jobs.
"If ITDC decides to engage contractual workers,
applicants shall have preferential right to be considered on
age relaxation in case they apply for the same," the CAT said.
The Tribunal`s order came as a relief for workers of
ITDC, whose services came to an end after their contract
regarding running of duty free shops of ITDC with Delhi
International Airport Private Limited (DIAL) expired in 2007.
Applicants by virtue of being in service for long
years with the ITDC have a preferential right on applying for
the posts to be considered with age relaxation, the CAT said
while referring to an apex court order over the issue.
The Tribunal said that the rule of law shall have to
prevail in service jurisprudence.
"Right to employment has not been transformed into
fundamental right under Constitution of India, yet
consideration on equitable and fair basis in employment is a
right guaranteed to a person," the CAT bench, comprising
members Shanker Raju and Veena Chhotray, said.
The CAT passed the order on a petition by All India
ITDC Workers Union and 17 others, seeking the status of
regular employment for contractual workers operating duty free
shops at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
PTI
