Jammu: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu Bench, comprising Justice Rajinder Singh Dogra and Ram Mohan Johri, has directed the Health & Medical Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir to examine the regularization claims of two Dental Surgeons, Dr. Abbas Ahmed and another, who were engaged as volunteer doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The tribunal instructed the department to evaluate the applicants’ eligibility for regularization based on guidelines established in the Madras High Court judgment in Dr. R. Venkattaraman vs. State (November 9, 2022). Additionally, the department was ordered to disburse the unpaid salaries of the applicants within eight weeks.
Case Background
The applicants, who served in District Ramban, were among 378 volunteers recruited by the National Health Mission (NHM), Jammu & Kashmir, and deployed to support pandemic relief efforts. Represented by Advocate Dinesh Singh Chauhan, they contended that despite uninterrupted service as Dental Surgeons during a critical time, they were denied regularization of their roles.
They cited judicial precedents, including the Supreme Court judgment in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 3 of 2021 (April 30, 2022) and a Central Government Notification (May 3, 2021), which advocated for recognizing and regularizing healthcare workers engaged during the pandemic.
Tribunal’s Observations
The State-Respondents, represented by Additional Advocate General Sudesh Magotra, were reminded of their obligation to address the claims of healthcare workers in light of these judicial rulings and government directives. The CAT’s decision emphasizes the need to honor the contributions of frontline workers who played a vital role during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Health Department’s forthcoming actions will determine whether these professionals’ services are regularized, recognizing their significant role during the pandemic.
