Orissa HC stays selection of assistant professors at AHPGIC
On May 28, the director of AHPGIC issued an advertisement inviting applications for 17 posts of assistant professors in six super specialty disciplines. A petition challenged the legality of the advertisement alleging that the selection process outlined in it was a violation of the Odisha Medical Education Service (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2021, and the institute's own bye-laws. Dr Paresh Chandra Mohanta, an assistant professor in the department of TB and chest diseases at MKCG medical college and hospital, Berhampur, along with four others filed the petition.
The advertisement outlined selection based solely on academics - 40 per cent weightage to MBBS marks for candidates who completed their post-graduation before 2016/2017, and 20 per cent from PG - without holding a written test. However, as per Clause 4 of the Odisha Medical Education Service Rules, recruitment to the post must be conducted through a written examination.
Advocate Jitendra Kumar Lenka, representing the petitioners, argued the Supreme Court of India has consistently held that appointments made in violation of statutory rules are null and void. He sought quashing of the advertisement and directions for issuing a fresh one in line with the statutory rules and bye-laws of AHPGIC.
Taking note of it, Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra issued notices to both director and dean of AHPGIC seeking reply affidavits within two weeks. 'As an interim measure, it is directed that the selection process pursuant to the advertisement dated May 28, 2025 shall continue, however no final decision shall be taken without the leave of this court,' Justice Mohapatra ruled.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- The Hindu
Health Department recalls services of 28 employees deputed as Food Safety Officers
The State Health Department has recalled the services of 28 employees, who were deployed on deputation in the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department to serve as Food Safety Officers (FSOs). This follows a review of the service particulars of these officers deputed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. According to a government order (GO) issued on July 23, these officers did not possess the educational qualifications prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011, at the time of their functional appointment or deputation to the Food Safety and Drug Administration department. Further, some among them have obtained degrees from open or distance education institutions but that is done without prior departmental approval, which renders their qualifications ineligible under the rules in force. The officers had approached the Karnataka High Court seeking regularisation of their services as FSOs and also a revision of pay scale. However, the Court rejected their petition. It said 'they were not regularly recruited, appointed, or absorbed into the said posts in accordance with the Cadre and Recruitment Rules, 2015. Besides, they also did not possess the required qualifications at the time of their functional appointment or deputation,' the GO stated. 'In view of their ineligibility for regularisation and in the interest of legal and administrative propriety, the government has ordered that they should be repatriated with immediate effect to their parent department (Health and Family Welfare Department). The repatriated officers should report to the State Health Commissioner for further posting through counselling. The Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration, should take necessary action to relieve the 28 officers and ensure that all statutory enforcement functions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, are reassigned to the concerned Taluk Health Officers (THOs) with immediate effect, until further orders. Further, the THOs who are assigned the responsibility of Food Safety Officers should undergo the required training,' the GO stated. Deputation period Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, told The Hindu that as per Rule 16 of the Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 1977, the permissible maximum deputation period of eight years, including extensions, has already been completed in respect of these officers. 'In light of the above and considering the potential legal complications arising from the continued discharge of statutory enforcement functions by ineligible personnel, it is concluded that their deputation as food safety officers cannot be continued any further. Therefore, action has been initiated to repatriate such officers to their parent cadre in the Health and Family Welfare Department,' he said.
News18
7 hours ago
- News18
Indians Can Take 30-Day Earned Leave To Care For Elderly Parents. What Do Other Countries Offer?
Central government employees can use 30 days of earned leave annually to care for elderly parents, enhancing family balance and mental health Central government employees in India can now utilise their paid leave to care for elderly parents, providing much-needed support for work-life balance. The employees are entitled to up to 30 days of earned leave each year, which can be utilised for personal reasons including caring for elderly parents. This provision is expected to greatly benefit employees who previously found it difficult to balance work and family caregiving responsibilities. It aims to improve family harmony and support mental well-being. Importantly, this is not a new category of 'special leave' but part of the existing earned leave under the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, now specifically permitted for such purposes. In addition to earned leave, central government employees are entitled to: Union Minister of State for Personnel, Dr Jitendra Singh, recently confirmed this provision in the Rajya Sabha. His statement responded to an inquiry regarding whether government employees could take leave to care for elderly parents. Comparative Leave Provisions Across Countries Leave entitlements for caring for elderly or ill family members differ globally: United States of America: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) grants up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for serious family health issues. Some states, including California, New Jersey, and New York, offer paid family leave schemes. Canada: Federal and provincial laws provide leave options, often paid or partially paid, for caring for seriously ill relatives. European Union: Various countries offer paid, partially paid, or unpaid family care leave. Sweden, Norway, and Germany, for example, allow leave to care for sick family members, including elderly parents. Japan: Leave for family care is generally unpaid but may qualify for unemployment insurance benefits under certain circumstances. South Korea: Family care leave exists, usually unpaid but occasionally supported by financial assistance. These provisions vary widely in terms of length, payment, and eligibility. Types Of Leave Under Central Civil Services Rules, 1972 The Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 came into effect on June 1, 1972. They govern leave for all government employees except those covered by separate regulations (e.g., railway employees, All-India Services members). Types of leave under these rules include: Leave credits are posted twice annually, on January 1 and July 1, and deducted when leave is taken. Other leaves such as casual, restricted, compensatory, and special casual leave are regulated by government instructions. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Medical allowance for former legislators increased to ₹1 lakh
The medical allowance for former MLAs and former MLCs have been increased by ₹25,000. The Tamil Nadu government has increased the medical allowance they are entitled to from ₹75,000 to ₹1 lakh every financial year. The revision in the medical allowance would be applicable from April 1 last year. The State government has amended the Tamil Nadu Legislators' (Medical Attendance and Treatment to Former Members) Rules, 1982 in this regard. As per the rules, every person, who had been a Member of the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council (abolished in 1986) or both, but had ceased to be such Member at any time, shall be entitled to the Medical concessions. They were entitled for a medical allowance of ₹75,000 for every financial year.
