BSF officers move Delhi High Court against 'discrimination'

, Aug 21: Over 100

officers have petitioned the

against officials in the Union Home Ministry and IPS officers, who frame policies for them, alleging that they were subjected to 'acute stagnation' and deprivation of 'financial benefits'.

A bench comprising Justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Manmohan Singh had issued two separate notices to the Union Home Ministry and the BSF headquarters on Aug 14 seeking a response to the petition. Officers in the rank of Deputy Inspector Generals, Commandants, Deputy Commandants and Second-in-Command were among those who had submitted the petition.

It was a rare instance when officers of an armed force with the responsibility for the country's internal security approached the court to address their problem. They claimed that non-implementation of policy measures were affecting their morale and efficiency.

The BSF officials were angry over the fact that they were not given the non-functional financial benefits, despite a 2009 Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) order.

The upgrading, according to the BSF officials, would ensure pay parity and social recognition. About 66 BSF officials signed the first petition that had been filed in the Delhi High Court while more sent similar representations later, said the counsel for these officials.

The aggrieved officials said the BSF's group 'A' officer, despite their selfless service, were being deprived of financial benefits and privileges which other group 'A' officers were enjoying and hence had no other option but to approach the court. They said such 'discrimination' was affecting the officer's morale and efficiency standards.

The BSF, with 2.4 lakh personnel, is the country's second-largest paramilitary outfit after the CRPF. It had made several representations to the Home Ministry but the latter was yet to take a final call on the matter.

OneIndia News