The mockery of the system did not end here, Mian Altaf, who died on 2nd of June 2019 and was apparently posthumously promoted to the next grade in 2021, regardless of the fact that his wife was already appointed under SRO-43
K Koushal
Nothing is impossible in Government Medical College and Hospital Jammu. Even the dead officials in the hospital get promotions!
In a latest instance of ‘faux pas’, the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC&H) Jammu and its associated hospitals promoted an official to the next possible grade, despite the fact that the official had died almost two years ago.
According to the documents (in possession of The Typewriter), the Departmental Committee meeting of the Government Medical College and Hospital Jammu and its Associated Hospitals was held on 15th March 2021, whereas the promoted person died on 26th of June 2019.
“Following the recommendations of the Departmental Promotion Committee (Non Gazetted), Government Medical College and its Associated Hospitals Jammu accorded the sanction to the promotion of Mian Altaf (Cleaner) as Grade II (5200-20200+1900) level -2 against available vacancy,” reads the order No: AHJ/2021/694-702 dated 27-04-2021 signed by Dr. Sashi Sudhan Sharma, Principal and Dean, Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC&H) Jammu.
The mockery of the system did not end here, Mian Altaf, who died on 2nd of June 2019 and was apparently posthumously promoted to the next grade in 2021, regardless of the fact that his wife was already appointed under SRO-43.
“As per order No. 392/AHJ/2020 dated 22-08-2020 wife of deceased Mian Altaf was appointed as class IV in terms of J&K Compassionate appointment Rules, 1994 notified vide SRO-43 on 22-08-2020,” reads appointment order duly signed by former Principal and Dean of GMC&H, Dr. Nasib Chand Digra.
Talking to The Typewriter, a senior doctor, requesting not to be named, informed that the incident has brought lots of embarrassment for the department.
“The matter was brought to the notice of those at the helm of affairs, but they did not give any heed to it, thus merit shame and humiliation,” said doctor, adding that the principal was left ‘red-faced’ when this thing was flagged, but the people around principal ‘laughed-it-out’
He stated that it is unfortunate that the medical fraternity and top administrators were found issuing ‘erroneous’ promotion orders.
“Even after more than one and half years of his death, the GMC&H remained ignorant or feigned ignorance. This shows the lack of coordination among various stakeholders,” he said and added that mistake vindicates the ‘negligent’ approach of the people, heading the prime posts in the hospital.
He further stated that in case of ‘erroneous’ promotions, the cases in a substantive or officiating capacity should be reviewed with serious concern and suitable disciplinary action should be taken against the officers and staff responsible for such ‘mistake’.
“A proper show-cause notice should be issued to the member of DPC as well as other officers responsible for this mistake,” he asserted and added that the erring official should be suitably reprimanded.
However, a senior doctor said that the state health department is committing such a blunder since it had fallen sick. “This incident shows the condition of the current healthcare system in Jammu”.
When tried to contact Dr. Sashi Sudhan Sharma, Principal and Dean, Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC&H) Jammu, she said, “She is in meeting”.
