Shimla: In a decisive move aimed at tightening administrative discipline in medical institutions, the Himachal Pradesh Medical Education and Research Department has terminated the services of four Assistant Professors from Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties (AIMSS) Chamiana and Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla.
These doctors were dismissed under Rule 14 and Rule 19 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 for allegedly remaining absent from duty for extended periods without permission and without awaiting formal acceptance of their resignations.
The termination orders were issued on December 2, 2025, by Health Secretary M. Sudha Devi.
Who Are the Doctors Removed from Service?
The four terminated faculty members include:
- Dr Tushar Patial, Assistant Professor, Plastic Surgery, AIMSS Chamiana
- Dr Vikas Kumar, Assistant Professor, CTVS, AIMSS Chamiana
- Dr Kunal Mahajan, Assistant Professor, Cardiology, IGMC Shimla (now AIMSS Chamiana)
- Dr Naveen Kumar, Assistant Professor, Paediatrics, IGMC Shimla
All four reportedly remained absent for 1.5 to 4 years without authorisation and failed to respond satisfactorily to show-cause notices.
1. Dr Tushar Patial Terminated for 1.5 Years of Absence
Dr Tushar Patial, appointed in April 2022, resigned with a three-month notice on 27 July 2024 but stopped attending duty on 31 October 2024 without formal approval.
He neither replied to the August 2025 show-cause notice nor resumed work. The department stated that his absence was hampering both clinical and academic functioning in the Plastic Surgery department.
The government invoked Rule 19 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, terminating his services retrospectively from the date he stopped reporting and barring him from reinstatement.
2. Dr Vikas Kumar Left to Join AIIMS Bilaspur Without Permission
Dr Vikas Kumar, appointed in May 2022 as Assistant Professor in CTVS at AIMSS, left service on 31 July 2022—just two months and 22 days after joining.
He admitted in his reply to the show-cause notice that he had joined AIIMS Bilaspur as Associate Professor immediately after submitting his resignation.
The department noted that he did so without NOC, relieving order, or approval, making his absence illegal under government service rules.
His service was terminated with effect from 31 July 2022, and he has been barred from seeking reinstatement.
3. Dr Kunal Mahajan Absent for More Than Four Years
Dr Kunal Mahajan, appointed in July 2019, submitted his resignation on 30 September 2021 but left duty the very next day—1 October 2021—without waiting for acceptance.
He remained absent for over four years, did not respond to the August 2025 show-cause notice, and did not resume duty.
The order highlights that his prolonged absence severely affected UG/PG academics and cardiac services in IGMC (now AIMSS Chamiana).
His service was terminated effective 1 October 2021.
4. Dr Naveen Kumar Joined AIIMS Bathinda Without Approval
Dr Naveen Kumar submitted his resignation on 1 July 2022 and stopped reporting for duty on 2 August 2022 without waiting for formal approval.
He later stated that he joined AIIMS Bathinda as Associate Professor on 20 July 2022, again without obtaining permission or completing official procedures.
He had served only three months and three days before going absent for more than three years and four months.
The department stated it was “not reasonably practicable” to conduct an inquiry due to his non-communication and prolonged absence. His services were terminated with effect from 2 August 2022, with no right to rejoin service.
Government Emphasises Discipline in Medical Institutions
The Health Department noted that unauthorized long-term absence not only disrupts teaching schedules and training of medical students but also affects public healthcare delivery.
The strong action is expected to set an administrative precedent for medical colleges across the state.
