State Of Kerala vs Jayesh K
2025 Latest Caselaw 2372 Ker

Kerala High Court

State Of Kerala vs Jayesh K on 13 January, 2025

Author: A.Muhamed Mustaque

Bench: A.Muhamed Mustaque

OP(KAT) No.14/2024                         1/8                        Order Date : 13-01-2025

                         IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
                                         PRESENT
                      THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE
                                            &
                        THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P. KRISHNA KUMAR
                 Monday, the 13th day of January 2025 / 23rd pousha, 1946
                                  OP(KAT) NO. 14 OF 2024

         AGAINST THE ORDER DATED 13-10-2023 IN OA (EKM) 1459/2022 OF KERALA
                    ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

   PETITIONER(S)/RESPONDENTS 1 & 2 IN OA:

      1. STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, GENERAL
         ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-KERALA.,
         PIN-695001
      2. THE SECRETARY, PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS, DEPARTMENT,
         SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - KERALA., PIN-695001

   RESPONDENT(S)/APPELLANT & 3RD RESPONDENT IN OA:

      1. JAYESH K, AGED 44 YEARS, S/O E.P KRISHNAN, STATE TAX OFFICER
         (REVENUE RECOVERY), OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF STATE TAX,
         CIVIL STATION, KAKKANAD, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT-682030, RESIDING AT
         KAMALESH NILAYAM, NUTSTREET P.O, VADAKARA, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT,
         PIN-673014
      2. THE KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY,
         PATTOM P.O, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695004
      3. ANN DARLE VARUGHESE, D/O GEORGE VARUGHESE, KAITHAMATTAM, MUTTUCHIRA
         (PO), KOTTAYAM PIN 686613 PRESENTLY WORKING AS CHILD DEVELOPMENT
         PROJECT OFFICER, ICDS PROJECT OFFICE, SULTHAN BATHERY, AMBALAVAYAL
         (PO) WAYANAD (DIST) PIN 673 ( SOUGHT TO BE IMPLEADED )


        OP Kerala Administrative Tribunal praying inter alia that in the
   circumstances stated in the affidavit filed along with the OP(KAT) the
   High Court be pleased to stay the operation and implementation of Exhibit
   P9 order of the Kerala Administrative Tribunal pending disposal of the
   original petition (KAT).


        This petition again coming on for orders upon perusing the petition
   and the affidavit filed in support of OP(KAT) and this Court's order dated
   25-01-2024 and upon hearing the arguments of GOVERNMENT PLEADER, for the
   petitioners, and of SRI. ELVIN PETER P.J. (SENIOR), along with M/S.
   K.R.GANESH, GOURI BALAGOPAL & SREELEKSHMI A.S., Advocates for R1
   and SHRI.P.C.SASIDHARAN, SC, KPSC(B/O), for R2 and of SRI. NABIL KHADER,
   Advocate for R3, the court passed the following:
 OP(KAT) No.14/2024                        2/8                        Order Date : 13-01-2025




           A. MUHAMED MUSTAQUE & P. KRISHNA KUMAR , JJ.
           ------------------------------------------------------------
            O.P. (KAT) Nos.520/2023, 14, 47, 51, 70, 87, 93,
               95, 115, 123, 124, 276, 304 and 343 of 2024
              ---------------------------------------------------------
                   Dated this the 13th day of January, 2025


                                   ORDER

A.Muhamed Mustaque, J.

The interim order will continue till the next posting date.

Post on 20.02.2025.

Sd/-

A. MUHAMED MUSTAQUE, JUDGE

Sd/-

P. KRISHNA KUMAR, JUDGE

PR OP(KAT) No.14/2024 3/8 Order Date : 13-01-2025

APPENDIX OF OP(KAT) 14/2024 Annexure A1 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER, G.O.(P) NO. 12/2017/P&ARD DATED 29.12.2017 ISSUED BY THE FIRST RESPONDENT. Annexure A2 TRUE COPY OF THE DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE ALONG WITH TYPED COPY. Annexure A3 TRUE COPY OF THE GOVERNMENT ORDER, G.O.(P) NO.

9/2021/GAD DATED 06.02.2021.

Annexure A4 TRUE COPY OF THE GOVERNMENT ORDER G.O.(P) NO.

4/2019/P&ARD DATED 11.07.2019 ISSUED BY THE FIRST RESPONDENT AND PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE DATED 11.07.2019.

Annexure A5 TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 07.02.2022 SUBMITTED BY SMT. ASWIN KUMAR M.J BEFORE THE STATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, TVM.

Annexure A6 TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 07.02.2022 SUBMITTED BY SRI. ASWIN KUMAR M.J BEFORE THE STATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, LABOUR COMMISSIONERATE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.

Annexure A 7 TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 07.02.2022 SUBMITTED BY SRI. ASWIN KUMAR M.J BEFORE THE STATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE DEPARTMENT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. Annexure A8 TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 07.02.2022 SUBMITTED BY SRI. ASWIN KUMAR M.J BEFORE THE STATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, DIRECTOR OF STATE LOTTERIES, TVM. Annexure A9 TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 07/02/2022 SUBMITTED BY SRI. ASWIN KUMAR M.J BEFORE THE STATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL EDUCATION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.

Annexure A10 TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 07.02.2022 SUBMITTED BY SRI. ASWIN KUMAR M.J BEFORE THE STATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF SC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Annexure A11 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY NO. WCD/E8-2662/2022 DATED 08.03.2022 ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM TO SRI. ASWIN KUMAR M.J. Annexure A12 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY NO. E(4) 2263/2022 DATED 02.03.2022 ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, LABOUR COMMISSIONERATE, TVM. TO SRI. ASWIN KUMA Annexure A13 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY NO. DIC/728/2022 -RTI DATED 08.03.2022 ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF INDUSTRIES & COMMERCE, TVM Annexure A14 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY DATED 11.03.2022 GIVEN BY THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, STATE LOTTERIES DIRECTORATE TO SRI. ASWIN KUMAR.

Annexure A15 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY NO. D/401276/2022/DGE DATED 05.03.2022 GIVEN BY THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL EDUCATION.

Annexure A16 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY NO. SCDD/984/2022/A1 (ESTTA) GIVEN BY THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, SC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

OP(KAT) No.14/2024 4/8 Order Date : 13-01-2025

Annexure A17 TRUE COPY OF THE STATEMENT MADE BY THE APPLICANT SHOWING THE LIST OF SECOND GAZETTED POSTS IN DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS.

Annexure A18 TRUE COPY OF THE GOVERNMENT ORDER G.O.(MS.) NO.

429/2010/RD DATED 28.10.2010.

Annexure A19 TRUE COPY OF THE GOVERNMENT ORDER G.O.(RT.) NO.

1173/2020/RD DATED 19.03.2020.

Annexure A20 TRUE COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION (CATEGORY NO.

186/2019-188/2019 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT INVITING APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF KAS OFFICER (JUNIOR TIME SCALE) TRAINEE.

Annexure A21 TRUE COPY OF THE RANKED LIST PUBLISHED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT FOR CATEGORY NO. 188/2019. Annexure A 22 TRUE COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT IN THE GAZETTE DATED 29.05.2019 (CATEGORY NO. 53/2019).

Annexure A23 TRUE COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION NO. GRII B2/50007/2018- KPSC DATED 09.01.2020 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT. Annexure R1(a) TRUE COPY OF G.O.(RT.) NO. 2951/2022/ GAD DATED 13.07.2022.

Annexure R1(b) TRUE COPY OF FINAL ORDER IN O.A. NO. 634/2022 DATED 27.10.2022 BY HON'BLE KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM BENCH Annexure A 24 TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 20.11.2021 FILED BY THE APPLICANT UNDER RTI ACT.

Annexure A25 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY NO. D3/13464/2021/D.G.E DATED 29.11.2021 ISSUED BY THE STATE INFORMATION OFFICER UNDER RTI ACT.

Annexure A26 TRUE COPY OF THE APPEAL DATED 01.01.2022 FILED BY THE APPLICANT UNDER RTI ACT, BEFORE THE APPELLATE AUTHORITY.

Annexure A27 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY NO. D3/13464/2021/D.G.E. DATED 19.01.2022 ISSUED BY THE APPEALLATE AUTHORITY. Annexure A28 TRUE COPY OF THE RTI APPLICATION DATED 20.10.2022 SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICANT BEFORE THE STATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL B).

Annexure A29 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY NO. SPL-B1/157/2022-GAD DATED 16.11.2022 ISSUED BY THE STATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER AND UNDER SECRETARY.

Annexure A 30 TRUE COPY LEGIBLE COPY OF THE REPLY NO. 61162/SPECIAL B1/2015/GAD DATED 18.09.2015 ISSUED UNDER RTI ACT TO SURJITH S.R. Annexure A31 TRUE COPY OF THE LIST OF DEPUTY COLLECTORS WITH CURRENT STATUS ON AND FROM 01.10.2017.

Annexure A32 TRUE COPY OF THE APPOINTMENT CHART NO. R1A(2) 1359/14/GW CATEGORY NO. 441/2010 AND SR3-1/50006/2018- KPSC PUBLISHED BY THE KPSC.

Annexure A33 TRUE COPY OF THE STATEMENT SHOWING THE EXISTING VACANCIES TO BE SET APART FOR APPOINTMENT FROM KAS AS PER RULE 9(B), AND VACANCIES TO BE ASSIGNED UNDER RULE 18 WITH EFFECT FROM 01.01.2018 TO 18.02.2021. OP(KAT) No.14/2024 5/8 Order Date : 13-01-2025

Annexure A34 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO. CCS/3409/2019-B3 DATED 16.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL SUPPLIES TO THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT. Annexure A 35 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION DATED 23.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF STATE TAX TO THE SECRETARY. Annexure A36 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO. B2/344/2017/CEE DATED 03.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR ENTRANCE EXAMINATION.

Annexure A37 TRUE COPY OF THE DETAILS FROM LAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT LETTER NO. L.R.E6-16729/2020 ISSUED BY LAND REVENUE COMMISSIONER DATED 04.08.2020 ALONG WITH DETAILS FOR POST OF KAS.

Annexure A38 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO. RCS/3113/2020-EB(1) DATED 09.06.2020 FROM THE REGISTRAR OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES Annexure A39 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO. E1-2955/2020/DC DATED 15.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTORATE OF CULTURE. Annexure A 40 TRUE COPY OF THE DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION (GENERAL).

Annexure A41 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO. DIC/1632/2020-ED2 DATED 19.08.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE TO THE GOVERNMENT ALONG WITH DETAILS FOR POSTS KAS.

Annexure A42 TRUE COPY OF THE STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF STATE AUDIT DEPARTMENT DETAILING 36 POSTS OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR FROM 01.01.2018 TO 30.04.2020. Annexure A43 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION LETTER NO. INS/ESTT./ E3/T001702726 DATED 08.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE ALONG WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES.

Annexure A44 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO. LUB/1120/2019-E DATED 09.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE LAND USE COMMISSIONER TO THE GOVERNMENT STATING DETAILS OF POSTS OF KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE.

Annexure A 45 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION D.O. LETTER NO.

SLTY/1445/2017-E7 DATED 05.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF STATE LOTTERIES ALONG WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KAS Annexure A 46 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO. TRY/1591/2020-B1 DATED 08.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TREASURIES. Annexure A47 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION D.O. NO. E1-5694/2020 DATED 09.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE LABOUR COMMISSIONER WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE. Annexure A48 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION D.O. LETTER NO.

DE/472/2017-J1 DATED 08.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYMENT.

Annexure A49 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO. ADM C1/34/2020-FIND (1513369) DATED 29.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY TO FINANCE TO THE GOVERNMENT WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE. OP(KAT) No.14/2024 6/8 Order Date : 13-01-2025

Annexure A50 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION D.O. LETTER NO.

PAN/7448/2020-E11 (DP) DATED 23.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PANCHAYAT TO THE GOVERNMENT WITH DETAILS OF POSTS OF KAS.

Annexure A51 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION D.O. LETTER NO.

E1.1816/2017 REGISTRATION DATED 09.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF REGISTRATION WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KAS.

Annexure A52 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION D.O. LETTER NO.

5375/ESTT.A3/2020/CRD DATED 12.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF RURAL DEPARTMENT WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KAS.

Annexure A53 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION A-1/14485/2020/DSDW DATED 10.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SAINIK WELFARE.

Annexure A54 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO. ESTT. A1-2995/2017 DATED 09.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KAS. Annexure A55 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION D.O. LR. E1.19000/2019 DATED 23.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ST DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KAS. Annexure A 56 TRUE COPY OF THE U O NOTE NO. SPL-B2/107/2020-GAD DATED 19.08.2020 ISSUED BY THE UNDER SECRETARY OF GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT TO THE GOVERNMENT WITH DETAILS POSTS FOR KAS.

Annexure A57 TRUE COPY OF THE D.O. LETTER NO. ADMN. A1/22/2017-FIN DATED 30.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT ALONG WITH LETTER C1/34/2020 FINANCE (513369) Annexure A58 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION DATED 29.05.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL JUSTICE DEPARTMENT WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KAS.

Annexure A59 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO. 561/E.2/2020/STA.

DATED 05.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE CONTROLLER OF STATIONERY WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KAS.

Annexure A60 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO.

D.S.L.R/1210/2020/GG2 DATED 03.05.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SURVEY AND LAND RECORDS WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KAS.

Annexure A61 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION D.O. NO. E1-4815/2020 DATED 03.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE TOURISM DEPARTMENT WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KAS.

Annexure A62 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO. E1-6247/17 DATED 02.06.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN AFFAIRS WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KAS.

Annexure A63 TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGE OF COMMUNICATION NO.

WCD-E1/31393/2019 DATED 03.08.2020 ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KAS.

Annexure A64 TRUE COPY OF THE G.O.(MS.) NO. 168/2021/GAD DATED 16.09.2021 ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH DETAILS OF POSTS FOR KAS.

OP(KAT) No.14/2024 7/8 Order Date : 13-01-2025

Annexure A 65 TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF GOVERNMENT ORDER, G.O.(P) NO. 27/2021/FIN. DATED 10.02.2021 IMPLEMENTING THE 11TH PAY REVISION COMMISSION.

Annexure A 66 TRUE COPY OF THE G.O.(MS.) NO. 216/2021/GAD DATED 06.12.2021 ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT. Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL APPLICATION NO. 1459/2022 Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE INTERIM ORDER DATED 30.09.2022 IN OA (EKM) NO.1459/2022.

Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 20.02.2023 IN O.P.(KAT) NO. 69/2023.

Exhibit P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 23.02.2023 IN M.A.(EKM) NO. 382/2023 IN C.P.(EKM) NO. 158/2022. Exhibit P 5 A TRUE COPY OF THE PROFORMA FOR REPORTING VACANCIES DATED 10.03.2023.

Exhibit P6 A TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED ON BEHALF OF THE 1ST RESPONDENT.

Exhibit P7 A TRUE COPY OF THE REJOINDER STATEMENT FILED BY THE APPLICANT IN THE O.A. Exhibit P8 A TRUE COPY OF THE M.A.(EKM) NO. 1035/2023 IN O.A. (EKM) NO. 1459/2022.

Exhibit P9 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 13.10.2023 IN O.A.(EKM) NO. 1459/2022.

Exhibit P10 A TRUE COPY OF THE G.O.(MS.) NO. 185/2023/GAD DATED 01.12.2023.

Exhibit P11 A TRUE COPY OF THE G.O.(RT.) NO. 2969/2023/GAD DATED 03.07.2023 Exhibit R3(l) True copy of the notice of Declaration of intent by Kerala Secretariat Association for demonstration primarily against KAS dated on 06.10.2022 Exhibit R3(m) The notice of Declaration of intent by Kerala Secretariate Association for demonstration primarily against KAS dated on 22.11.2022 Exhibit R3(k) True copy of the draft of proposed amendments to Annexure A1 Special rules Exhibit R3(a) True copy of Order of Hon'ble Administrative Tribunal (Ekm) dated 14.03.2023.

Exhibit R3(b) True copy of Affidavit dated 01.04.2023 filed by Sri. K.R Jyothilal, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, General Administration Department. Exhibit R3(c) True copy of Letter No Spl-E3/74/2022/GAD, sent by Smt. Sudha. B, Joint Secretary to Government , General Administration Department on behalf of Additional Chief Secretary to Government Geeneral Administration Department, before Hon'ble Administrative tribunal (EKM) Exhibit R3(d) True copy of the table showing arbitrary exclusions and/or inclusions of second gazetted posts by comparing Annexure A2 Details of posts and posts specified in Table depicted in Para 19 of OP(KAT) Exhibit R3(e) True copy of The table of Directly Recruited District Education Officer recruited via Ranked List No 350/2010/SSIV of KPSC dated 24.07.2010 from open quota List A and their present status OP(KAT) No.14/2024 8/8 Order Date : 13-01-2025

Exhibit R3(f) True copy of the table of Directly Recruited District Education Officer recruited via Ranked List No 350/2010/SSIV of KPSC dated 24.07.2010 from Department Quota List B Exhibit R3(g) True copy of the table showing status of 14 Administrative Officers Grade II (General Service) with necessary details as in the months of May 2016 Exhibit R3(h) True copy of the table showing status of 14 Administrative Officers Grade II (General Service) with necessary details as in the months of December 2016 Exhibit R3(i) True copy of the table showing status of 27 Administrative Officers, advised by PSC from the Rank List No 385/2014/SSVI, Cat No. 038/2011 from last notification of PSC for the posts Exhibit R3(j) True copy of Communication dated 23.03.2024, vide letter No. I/6129735/2024 made by Sri. R Pradeep Under Secretary on behalf of Additional Chief Secretary, to invite representatives of various service organizations for a collective discussion, on draft of proposed amendments