Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has disengaged Dr. Hooda Rashid, Medical Officer (Academic Arrangement Basis) at Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, over prolonged unauthorized absence from duty, with the termination taking effect retrospectively from May 1, 2025.
According to Government Order No. 605-JK(HME) of 2026 dated August 6, 2026, issued by the Health and Medical Education Department, the action was taken after the doctor allegedly remained absent without authorization despite repeated notices and opportunities to resume duties.
The order states that the Administrator, Government Medical College, Srinagar, informed the department that the Medical Superintendent of Government Lalla Ded Hospital had reported Dr. Rashid’s unauthorized absence with effect from May 1, 2025.
Following the report, the authorities issued a show-cause notice directing the doctor to immediately resume duties and furnish a satisfactory explanation for the absence. In response, Dr. Rashid cited the ill-health of her father as the reason for remaining away from work. However, the government noted that she did not rejoin her duties.
The order further mentions that the Medical Superintendent, Government Lalla Ded Hospital, again advised Dr. Rashid to submit an unambiguous status report regarding her resumption of duties within two days. Despite repeated communications and sufficient opportunities, she allegedly failed to return to work or provide a satisfactory justification for her continued absence.
The government observed that the prolonged unauthorized absence adversely affected patient care services at Government Lalla Ded Hospital, Srinagar.
Referring to S.O. 364 dated November 27, 2020, the Health and Medical Education Department stated that Medical Officers engaged on an Academic Arrangement Basis are required to maintain regular attendance, satisfactory performance, and discipline. The order empowers the government to terminate or disengage such appointments without further notice in cases of unauthorized absence or misconduct.
Consequently, the government ordered the termination/disengagement of Dr. Hooda Rashid from the post of Medical Officer (Academic Arrangement Basis), Government Medical College, Srinagar, with effect from May 1, 2025, the date from which her unauthorized absence commenced.
The order, issued by M. Raju (IAS), Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department, also states that adequate opportunity had already been provided to the doctor and that no further notice was warranted before issuing the disengagement order. (KNC)
