Madina Sharif, Self Help Group, Through Its Leader Firoja Khatun Bibi And ORS. v. State Of West Bengal And ORS.

D/L 25 21.03.2025 Court No.14 PRADIP

IN THE HIGH COURT AT CALCUTTA

CONSTITUTIONAL WRIT JURISDICTION WPA 12119 of 2024 Madina Sarif & Ors.

Vs.

The State of West Bengal & Ors.

Mr. Golam Mustafa Mr. T. Samanta Mr. Kazi Asif Iqbal ...for the Petitioners.

Mr. Sk. Md. Galib, Ms. Jyotsna Roy Mukherjee ...for the State.

1. Affidavit of service filed in Court today is taken on record.

2. The petitioners claim to be serving as midday meal cooks in a high school. Their allegation is that, despite performing the daily work, their remuneration is not being paid.

3. It has been alleged that, though the government is releasing funds in favour of the school, the same is not being credited to the account of the petitioners.

4. A complaint has been lodged by the petitioners before the Block Development Officer, Jalangi Block. The same is yet to be considered.

5. The Block Development Office is the competent authority to ensure that the payment of the cooks working under the midday meal scheme is being made in accordance with the scheme and in terms of the provisions of law.

6. The petitioners allege that despite payment being made by the government, the same is not being released by the concerned school in their favour.

7. The concerned Block Development Officer is directed to enquire into the matter and take necessary remedial steps. The representation dated 13th April, 2024 annexed to the writ petition shall be considered by the concerned Block Development Officer.

8. An opportunity of hearing shall be granted to all the necessary parties and a final order shall be passed.

9. If any amount is found to be due and payable, the same shall be released in favour of the eligible candidates.

10. Steps shall be taken in the matter at the earliest, but positively within a period of eight weeks from the date of communication of this order.

11. The writ petition stands disposed of.

12. Urgent photostat certified copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties upon compliance of all the requisite formalities.

(Amrita Sinha, J.)