Punish officials allowing docs to skip service: HC

Throwing spotlight on the government quota candidates who clear MBBS but escape the mandatory service without paying fine, the High Court of Karnataka on Friday ordered the government to investigate and prosecute officials responsible for absolving such candidates.

The court gave the order while disposing of over 300 petitions questioning a notification by the Directorate of Medical Education for counselling for the post of senior residents/tutors/specialist for candidates, who have completed post graduate degree/diploma under Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.

It said the government should make all endeavours to invoke the bond obligation furnished by all the candidates who have availed the government seats under the 2006 rules, “either by calling them for service and in default for paying the penalty prescribed by Rule 15”.

Noting that there were issues with payment of fines by candidates who availing subsidised seats but did not serve three-year government service.

The court also told the government to formulate within six months a “comprehensive scheme by laying down the guidelines for the purpose of enforcing provisions of Rule 15 of 2006 rules” and for invoking the undertaking given by the candidates “in all the yesteryears and in future”.