Srinagar, Sept 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has terminated the services of a Medical Officer for allegedly remaining absent from duty without sanctioned leave and joining a DM (Neonatology) course in Mumbai without prior government approval.
According to Government Order No. 687-JK(HME) of 2026, dated September 11, Dr Mohammad Azhar-ud-Din, an MD Pediatrics doctor posted at Community Health Centre (CHC) Rajpora, joined the DM course at LTMC Medical College and Sion Hospital, Mumbai, on January 6, 2024.
The government said he had not obtained permission from the competent authority before joining the course.
The order stated that although Dr Azhar-ud-Din had applied for permission through the proper channel, “he joined the course before any decision was conveyed by the competent authority.”
His request for permission was subsequently rejected by the Administrative Department in March 2024 after the authorities found that he did not fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Despite the rejection, the doctor continued with the course and did not return to his government posting, the order said.
The department later issued a show-cause notice on March 24, 2025, directing him to explain his prolonged absence and resume duties. When he failed to rejoin, a final notice was issued on March 5, 2026, warning that further action could be taken under Article 128 of the J&K Civil Service Regulations, 1956.
In his response, Dr Azhar-ud-Din said he had applied for permission through the proper channel and was short of only a few days in completing the prescribed five-year service requirement.
He said he proceeded with the course “on the expectation that permission would eventually be granted” and argued that the DM qualification would ultimately benefit the healthcare sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The doctor also requested that his period of absence be regularised as Study Leave, Extraordinary Leave or any other admissible leave, and expressed willingness to return to government service after completing the course.
The department, however, rejected his defence, maintaining that submitting an application did not amount to permission to join the course or sanction of leave.
It said the doctor was required to obtain formal approval before leaving his place of posting and that being short of the prescribed service period did not give him a right to relaxation, particularly after his request had been rejected on eligibility grounds.
The government order also referred to Rule 13 of the J&K Civil Services Leave Rules, 1979, and Article 128 of the J&K Civil Service Regulations, which provide for action in cases of unauthorised absence.
The department further cited GAD Circular No. 37-JK(GAD) of 2020 concerning disciplinary action against government employees who proceed on higher studies without obtaining prior approval.
“Unauthorised absence from duty amounts to misconduct,” the government observed, stressing that discipline in public service, particularly in essential sectors such as healthcare, has to be maintained in the larger public interest.
After examining the doctor’s service record, notices, response and legal opinion, the competent authority concluded that his explanation was not satisfactory.
The government accordingly terminated Dr Azhar-ud-Din’s services with effect from January 6, 2024, holding that his continued absence without sanctioned leave and prior permission amounted to “wilful and continuous unauthorised absence” and abandonment of government service.
The order was issued by M Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department.
