The administration has taken unprecedented decision in the case of doctors absent from duty. Their number is not small. According to an order of the Health and Medical Education Department, services of one hundred doctors have been terminated under Rule clause (b) of Rule 21 (1) of J&K, Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956 and under the provisions of Article 128 of CSR Vol-I They were found absent from duty.
This decision has a few aspects. First, it is the first drastic action against errant Government employees taken by any department in the State and specifically when such a large number of doctors is involved. Second, has the Government also taken steps to provide alternative arrangement when these doctors are removed?
But notwithstanding these questions, the people are very happy with the decision of terminating the services of the doctors who have been found absent from their duty. It is said that the Government spends at least 25 to 30 lakh rupees for training one doctor. Such a huge investment is made on the basis that the beneficiary understands the immense moral and ethical responsibility entrusted to him by the society. If they fail to keep the trust of the society that is investing so heavily in their professional competence, they have no right to be allowed to continue their services in the Health Department. This bold decision will send a stern message to the entire administrative machinery of the State. It is a warning that anybody found complacent in his duty will have to bear the brunt of the law.