Orissa HC directs Odisha govt for regular recruitment of assistant professors in medical colleges

The Orissa High Court has directed the state govt for regular recruitment of assistant professors in medical colleges across Odisha.

Justice S K Panigrahi directed the Odisha government to expedite regular recruitment of assistant professors through the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) to fill over 180 vacant positions across state medical colleges.

The court also criticised the State government’s practice of appointing Assistant Professors on a contractual basis in government medical colleges and termed it ‘unsustainable.’

In a significant judgment, the Court stated, “These posts must be filled through regular appointments to ensure the integrity and stability of the academic and medical framework.”

The statement was released on December 3.

As per the Court, the judgement will address the prevailing culture of complacency and ad-hoc arrangements in public service in the state’s medical education sector.

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The court gave the judgement while observing a petition filed by Dr Rakesh Kumar Ludam, a Medical Officer of the Odisha Medical and Health Service (OMHS) cadre. Dr Ludam was serving as Assistant Professor in the Anaesthesiology Department at MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, on a contractual basis from January 31, 2020, to January 30, 2024.

Odisha government is currently filling these teaching positions through contractual engagement or deputation of OMHS cadre medical officers for four years as an interim measure to meet the requirements of National Medical Council (NMC).