Shift in the Wind

As reflected, “Equality is as fundamental as the air we breathe”. While watching a funny TV serial once, an interviewer would ask very tough questions to a candidate and very simple ones to another candidate. The candidate facing tough questions when inquired about the two yard-sticks was blushed to hear from the interviewer that “you are already rejected, he is already selected”.

Lets us be real:

Some years ago a non-gazetted official in one of the Kashmir’s periphery hospitals, transferred on attachment basis to Srinagar tertiary care hospitals, had been repatriated back soon to the parent health department - an action which was no way questionable, given that transfer being part and parcel of a job, is inevitable. The official had to comply, probably sans influence.

“Transfers being part of the service is aimed at streamlining system/inculcating a sense of discipline, thus there is no option left with the competent authorities to take measures as per law. The indispensable character of such servants who have been occupying the chairs for pretty long time, should not be projected”;

these were few lines authorities at the helm of affairs at the tertiary care hospitals in Srinagar had hyped some years back vis a vis detachment of a good number of officers to their parent department; but not demonstrated. Earlier the orders would come with warning and then a halt, reasons obscure.

Shift in the wind:

There is a shift in the wind; having worked in the tertiary care hospitals of Srinagar within the vicinity of their residences for decades, they are finally back, something that has been initiated very seriously and implemented in letter and spirit.

Conclusion:

While robust measures are required to be put in place in its rationalization, in the interest of administration and patient care, review of transfer and attachment policies is imperative.

A proactive approach is needed to look into the polices from time to time; to make it sure there is no bias amongst the higher and lower rung officials with regard to transfers, detachments or other employment status.

“Discrimination is hate, and there is no place for it in the workplace. Strive to be a person or organization who promotes diversity and commits to sustaining an inclusive culture.”                                        ― Germany Kent

The author is Editor at a weekly Kashmiri, hailing from Khrew