AP govt action against Arogya, Vidya Mitras quashed

A two-judge bench of the High Court of Hyderabad comprising Justice C V Nagarjuna Reddy and Justice Shyam Prasad on Friday made it clear that the government of AP cannot terminate the services of Arogya Mithras and Vaidya Mithras on the ground that they were not qualified as prescribed later by the authorities.

The order has come as a great relief to over 1,600 workers whose services were sought to be terminated from services. The petitioners were initially appointed in the twin States under the Aagoyasri project.

The government justified its stance on the ground that their qualifications were now fixed higher and since the petitioners did not satisfy the same they were being terminated. The government also took the plea that under the new scheme under the NTR Arogyasri they were not employees of the government.

On both counts the bench rejected the plea of the government. Senior Counsel S Ramachandara Rao appearing for the appellants contended that the issuance of the GO.Ms.No.28 is nothing but terminating the services of the appellants without following any procedure and without giving any notice.

The counsel also contended that the principle employer is the government as the Trust is funded by the government, The bench made clear that while it was free for the government to make fresh appointments based on the higher qualifications, the petitioners cannot be discontinued from service.