HYDERABAD, Feb 25: The Sindh High Court, Hyderabad circuit bench, on Friday issued notices for personal appearance of Sindh secretaries of education and finance on March 10.

They have been asked to submit resume of concrete steps taken with a definite undertaking to resolve the issue of 24 petitioners, praying the inclusion of their services rendered prior to nationalisation of private educational institutions in integrated the seniority list.

Justice Mohammad Moosa K. Leghari said additional advocate general, Sindh, Masood A. Noorani found himself in a fix due to bureaucratic inaction. The court noted that each time incomplete and evasive replies, devoid of reasons, were being sent to linger on the matter without justification.

"There are enough reasons to believe that government departments are bent upon not complying with orders of the court. In his reply to show cause notice the secretary education has stated that the issue has not been completely resolved because of the finance department".

The court described the state of affairs as unfortunate and expressed dismay as initial order was passed on Sept 2 directing respondents to decide the issue within three months. The court earlier issued a show cause notice to the secretary education.

The secretary prayed the court to recall the notice as he would continue strenuous efforts in getting the issue resolved. Lawyer Jhamatmal Jethanand appeared on behalf of petitioners, requesting the court to direct respondents to compute their services, rendered prior to nationalization of institutions and allow them pension accordingly.

He said when nationalization began they were inducted in the government service by operation of law in September and October 1972 as they were working in private institutions.