Dr. Mohammad Azhar-ud-Din was pursuing DM Neonatology course in Mumbai without prior government approval
Srinagar, September 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has terminated the services of Dr. Mohammad Azhar-ud-Din, Medical Officer (MD Pediatrics), posted at Community Health Centre (CHC) Rajpora, for prolonged and unauthorised absence from government duty.
The action has been taken by the Health & Medical Education Department under Government Order No. 687-JK(HME) of 2026, dated September 11, 2026.
According to the government order, Dr. Azhar-ud-Din proceeded to join a DM (Neonatology) course at LTMC Medical College and Sion Hospital, Mumbai, from January 6, 2024, without obtaining prior permission or sanctioned leave from the competent authority.
Doctor Joined Higher Studies Without Awaiting Government Approval
The department observed that government rules require in-service doctors to obtain prior approval before pursuing higher studies. Although the doctor had submitted an application for permission through the proper channel, he joined the course before any decision was conveyed by the competent authority.
His request was subsequently rejected by the Administrative Department in March 2024, citing failure to fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Despite the rejection, Dr. Azhar-ud-Din continued with the course and did not report back to his government posting at CHC Rajpora, the order stated.
Show-Cause Notices Issued
The government issued a show-cause notice on March 24, 2025, directing the doctor to explain his unauthorised absence and resume his duties.
As he did not rejoin, a further/final notice was issued on March 5, 2026, providing another opportunity to report for duty and warning that failure to comply could lead to action under Article 128 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations, 1956.
Doctor Cites Shortfall in Service Requirement
In his reply, Dr. Azhar-ud-Din stated that 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 submitted that he proceeded with the DM course on the expectation that permission would eventually be granted.
The doctor further argued that acquiring the DM qualification would benefit the healthcare sector in Jammu and Kashmir. He requested that his period of absence be regularised as Study Leave, Extraordinary Leave or any other admissible leave, and expressed willingness to rejoin government service after completing the course.
Department Rejects Defence
The Health & Medical Education Department, however, rejected the explanation, maintaining that submitting an application through the proper channel did not constitute permission to join the course or sanction of leave.
The department held that the doctor was required to obtain formal approval before leaving his place of posting.
It also observed that being short of the prescribed service period did not automatically make him eligible for the course or create a right to relaxation, particularly when his request had already been rejected on eligibility grounds.
Government Invokes Service Rules
The government order refers to Rule 13 of the J&K Civil Services Leave Rules, 1979, under which wilful absence from duty can invite disciplinary action.
It also invokes Article 128 of the J&K Civil Service Regulations, Volume-I, dealing with absence without leave or remaining absent beyond sanctioned leave.
The department further referred to GAD Circular No. 37-JK(GAD) of 2020, concerning disciplinary action against government employees who proceed on study leave without obtaining prior approval.
The government observed that unauthorised absence from duty amounts to misconduct and stressed that discipline in public service, particularly in essential sectors such as healthcare, must be maintained in the larger public interest.
Services Terminated With Effect From January 6, 2024
After examining the service record, notices issued to the doctor, his response and the legal opinion obtained in the matter, the competent authority concluded that his explanation was not satisfactory.
The government held that action under Article 128 of the J&K Civil Service Regulations, 1956, was warranted due to his continued absence without sanctioned leave and prior permission.
Accordingly, the services of Dr. Mohammad Azhar-ud-Din, Medical Officer (MD Pediatrics), CHC Rajpora, have been terminated with effect from January 6, 2024, on the grounds of wilful and continuous unauthorised absence amounting to abandonment of government service.
The order has been issued by M. Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Health & Medical Education Department, on behalf of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Copies of the order have been forwarded to senior government officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Joint Secretary (JKL) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Director Health Services Kashmir and other concerned authorities.(KNC)
