Judgment J.S.Khehar, J. 1. The facts pleaded in the writ petition disclose that the petitioner claimed medical reimbursement on account of treatment taken by him from 5.2.1999 to 22.2.1999 at Tagore Heart Care & Research Centre, Jalandhar. So as to claim medical reimbursement, the petitioner moved a representation whereupon the Director Health and Family Welfare, approved the petitioners claim for medical reimbursement by sanctioning a sum of Rs.97,858/- vide letter dated February 12, 2001. Despite the sanction by the Director Health and Family Welfare, which is the only condition precedent to release of medical reimbursement, the sanctioned amount was not released to the petitioner. The petitioner made a representation to the authorities for the release of the amount. Thereafter, he approached this Court by filing the instant writ petition. 2. Assistant Director, Public Instructions (E), who is present in person, acknowledges the fact that the Director Health and Family Welfare approved and sanctioned a sum of Rs. 97,858/- as payable to the petitioner on account of medical reimbursement for treatment undertaken by him. It is, however, contended that the amount would be released to the petitioner within one month from today. 3. The facts narrated above, disclosed an attitude of absolute apathy towards employees even when their claim is undisputed, compelling them to approach this Court for the most trivial claims. 4. Since the Assistant Director, Public Instructions (Elementary), Punjab, has undertaken to ensure the payment of medical reimbursement within one month from today, it is a clear indication of acknowledged callousness on the part of the authorities. In such circumstances, we consider it appropriate to require the respondents to pay the petitioner interest on the sanctioned amount of medical reimbursement at the rate of 9% per annum from the date it became due till the same is paid. So as to show our dismay in the attitude adopted and so as to reimburse the petitioner costs incurred by him in initiating the present proceedings, we also impose costs which are hereby quantified as Rs. 2,500/-. The same shall also be paid to the petitioner alongwith the medical reimbursement and interest within the time stipulated above. 5. Disposed of accordingly.