Punjab Medical Officer seeks Premature Retirement after transfer to Chandigarh

Chandigarh: In an unusual turn of events, a newly appointed medical officer has applied for premature retirement just hours after officially assuming his role in Chandigarh. This unexpected move has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the circumstances leading to the officer's abrupt decision to retire.

Dr Jasbir Singh Aulakh submitted a premature retirement letter to the Director of Health Services shortly after assuming the role of Deputy Director of Health in Chandigarh. Dr Aulakh, who had previously served as a Civil Surgeon in Ludhiana, was transferred to the Deputy Director position on August 15. On the same day, he was denied entry to the Independence Day function at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) grounds by Punjab police security personnel, leading to the suspension of two officers.

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Following the incident, Dr Aulakh announced his intention to seek premature retirement in a Facebook post written in Punjabi. According to The Indian Express, he referenced the play *Maa da Deputy*, saying, “Maa da Deputy was a creation of Ishwar Chandra Nanda which was taught to us in class 10. Today when I joined as deputy director at Chandigarh headquarters, that play suddenly came before my eyes.” He went on to explain his decision: “For the past many years, those against whom I had taken action were conspiring against me, especially those involved in female foeticide.”

Dr Aulakh further claimed that a politician had threatened him in May, stating that once the election code of conduct was over, the politician would show him. He expressed disappointment over the lack of support from the state headquarters, noting that his applications for personal hearings were ignored. With a heavy heart, he announced his decision to give three months' notice for premature retirement.

Dr Aulakh, a native of Barnala, has previously taken action against several doctors in Ludhiana and Barnala under the PNDT Act. It is worth noting that his retirement is scheduled for January 2025. Dr Aulakh confirmed that the politician who threatened him was also involved in the May incident.

After being denied entry to the Independence Day function, Dr Aulakh was transferred but took leave until 29 August. Upon joining his new office in Chandigarh on 30 August, he immediately submitted his three-month notice for premature retirement to the Director of Health Services, in Punjab.

Dr Aulakh, who has a physical disability, reaffirmed his decision and stated that he stands by every word he posts on Facebook, which is the reason for his premature retirement. He is now waiting for a response from his office.

This swift decision has attracted significant attention from both the public and health administration. The health department is expected to conduct an internal review to understand the circumstances surrounding Dr Aulakh's request for premature retirement.

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