Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 27: High Court today stayed a Government order in which it had asked a female contractual doctor, who is on maternity leave, to join her duties or face action.
Justice Virender Singh today came to the rescue of the doctor by staying the two communications issued by the Government wherein she was asked to join her duties at the earliest failing which a strict action will be taken against her.
Dr Bilquees Khurshid, who is working in Budgam district under NRHM scheme on contractual basis has challenged the Rule 10 (iii) of SRO 255 of 2003 wherein contractual appointee is entitled to 60 days maternity leave without honorarium.
She said that maternity leave granted to contractual employees runs contrary to the mandate of directive principles of State policy under which 90 days of maternity leave are granted to regular employees.
The court directed the respondents to consider the application of petitioner for extension of maternity leave in her favour as is granted in favour of permanent female employees of the state.
The bench after going through the contents of the matter and submissions made by petitioner’s counsel advocate Altaf Haqani issued two weeks notice to Chief Secretary of the State, Commissioner Secretary of Health Department, Director Health Services Kashmir, District Development Commissioner Budgam, Mission Director NRHM, Chief Medical Officer Budgam and Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Budgam for their response to the matter.
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