Patna: The uncertainty surrounding Dr Nusrat Parveen’s government appointment continued on Saturday after she failed to report for duty at the Sabalpur primary health centre in Patna Sadar. Saturday was earlier considered the final day for her to join, and there had been strong indications that she would take charge. Her absence has once again brought the hijab controversy back into focus and raised fresh questions about whether she intends to work under the Bihar government.
Dr Parveen, a Muslim doctor, came into the public eye after an incident during an appointment letter distribution ceremony earlier this month. Since then, her joining date has been closely watched. Health department officials said that although she did not turn up on Saturday, the State Health Committee has now decided to extend the deadline. The new last date for joining has been fixed as 31 December 2025, giving her more time to report for duty.
The civil surgeon of Patna said that most of the selected doctors have already joined their posts. “So far, 63 doctors have joined, but Dr Nusrat Parveen has not,” he said. He added that the department would follow whatever decision has been taken at the state level. Earlier, the principal of the Government Tibbi College and Dr Parveen’s classmate had said that she would join on Saturday and had claimed that she had no complaints against anyone. Despite these assurances, she did not arrive.
Meanwhile, the issue has taken a political turn. The Jharkhand government has publicly offered Dr Parveen a government job with a salary of Rs 3 lakh, a posting of her choice and a government flat. The controversy began on 15 December, when chief minister Nitish Kumar distributed appointment letters to 1,283 newly appointed AYUSH doctors. During the ceremony, a video showing him pulling off Dr Parveen’s hijab went viral, sparking criticism and debate. With the joining date now extended, it remains unclear whether Dr Nusrat Parveen will accept the Bihar government post or choose a different option.
