HP High Court Orders Disciplinary Action for Non-Joining Transferred Employees

Shimla, Jan 8: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to take disciplinary action against employees who fail to join duty on time after being transferred. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Satyen Vaidya emphasized the urgent need for staff in hospitals to cater to the public’s health needs.

During a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL), an affidavit filed by the Director of Health Services revealed that out of eight transferred employees, some have been relieved but have not yet assumed their new positions. The court was informed that the delay in joining is affecting healthcare services in remote areas like the Tikkar hospital in Shimla district.

The petitioner’s advocate highlighted the staff shortages at Tikkar hospital, causing difficulties for residents. It was argued that the reluctance of employees to serve in remote locations has deprived the public of timely medical care.

In compliance with the court’s previous order dated December 10, the government stated that appointments had been made for a medical officer, two staff nurses, a chief pharmacy officer, an ophthalmologist, a block program officer, and two senior assistants at CHC Tikkar. However, some positions remain vacant, and those transferred have not joined.

The court has scheduled the next hearing on the matter for March 13.