State-recognised equivalence of computer qualifications upheld for recruitment eligibility; candidature rejection could not stand.

State-recognised equivalence of a computer-related qualification can satisfy the eligibility requirement for appointment to the post of Computer under the Rajasthan Statistical Subordinate Service Rules, 1971. The candidature had been rejected for want of the prescribed qualification, but the record included a State communication treating a degree or diploma in Computer Science, Computer Application or Information Technology from a university established by law or a recognised institution as equivalent to the RS-CIT certificate for the recruitment in question. On that basis, the petitioner was found eligible for consideration, the rejection could not be sustained, and the authority was directed to consider appointment if otherwise eligible, with consequential benefits except actual salary and running monetary benefits.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner possessed the requisite educational qualification, by reason of equivalence recognised by the State, for consideration for appointment to the post of Computer under the Rajasthan Statistical Subordinate Service Rules, 1971.

Analysis: The petitioner's candidature had been rejected on the footing that she lacked the prescribed qualification. However, the record contained a State communication recognising a degree or diploma in Computer Science, Computer Application or Information Technology from a university established by law or a recognised institution as equivalent to the RS-CIT certificate for the relevant recruitment. In that view, the petitioner's qualification fell within the category treated as equivalent for the post.

Conclusion: The petitioner was eligible to be considered for appointment to the post of Computer, and the rejection of candidature could not be sustained. The writ petition was allowed with a direction to consider her candidature and grant appointment if otherwise eligible, with consequential benefits except actual salary and running monetary benefits.

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