J&K Medical Officer terminated over Unauthorized absence

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the termination of the services of a Medical Officer, due to unauthorized absence from his duties. The Government Order to this effect was issued on March 3, 2025.

Dr. Shahid Shafi was appointed as a Medical Officer on May 29, 2018, through Government Order No. 333-HME of 2018, and he initially joined his duties in Block Pampore on August 13, 2018. However, it was noted that Dr. Shafi had resorted to unauthorized absence starting from April 4, 2022, which led to a series of actions by the Health and Medical Education Department to address the issue.

In response to Dr. Shafi’s absence, the Block Medical Officer (BMO) of Pampore issued a notice on April 11, 2022, giving him an opportunity to resume his duties within two days. Despite this, Dr. Shafi failed to report back.

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Further steps were taken by the Health and Medical Education Department to address Dr. Shafi’s absence. A final show-cause notice was issued on June 23, 2023, giving him a 15-day window to return to work or face disciplinary action. The notice warned that failing to comply would result in ex-parte proceedings under Article 128 of the J&K Civil Services Regulations, 1956.

Despite these multiple opportunities, Dr. Shafi did not return to work which not only impacted patient care but also set a concerning precedent within the department.

In June 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department appointed Dr. Anjum Afshan, the State Epidemiologist and Director of Health Services Kashmir, as the Inquiry Officer to investigate Dr. Shafi’s case of unauthorized absence.

After reviewing the case, the Inquiry Officer submitted a report to the Director of Health Services Kashmir on September 17, 2024. The report concluded that Dr. Shafi had no intention of returning to work and was occupying a position that was providing no benefit to the organization. Further investigations revealed that Dr. Shafi had been absconding since April 4, 2022, without providing any valid justification for his absence.

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The order stated, "Absence without leave or after the end of leave results in the loss of appointment, except as provided in Article 203(b), or when due to ill health, in which case the absentee must produce a certificate from a Medical Officer."

In light of the findings, and based on Article 128 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services Regulations, 1956, which mandates termination in cases of unauthorized absence, the government has formally terminated Dr. Shahid Shafi’s services effective from April 4, 2022—the date when his unauthorized absence began.

The decision also aligns with Rule 8(i) of the J&K Civil Services Leave Rules, 1979, which specifies ''Leave cannot be claimed as a matter of right''.

To view the official order, click on the link below: