than that of the Chief Artificer. However, the grade pay given to Artificers of rank I to III is higher than Petty Officers' grade pay but lower than that of the Chief Artificer/Chief Petty Officer (non- technical). In short, the submission of the learned ASG is that the same grade pay cannot be granted to Artificer III and Chief Artificer as the Chief Artificer is a promotional post for Artificers of Class III. She stated that Artificers work under the command of the Chief Artificer. Learned ASG pointed out the grade pay granted to various sailors in the X group and sailors in the Y group (non-technical). CONSIDERATION OF SUBMISSIONS 7. The appellant placed reliance on a communication issued by the Director of Personnel in Naval Headquarters dated 16th November 2000 (Annexure P-I). In the said communication, which deals with the seniority of Artificers viz-a-viz non- Artificers, it is stated thus: - “The contention that seniority status of Artificers vis-a-vis non-artificers is