Dr. Nusrat Parveen, an AYUSH doctor who gained attention after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar publicly removed her hijab, has not started her assigned job despite the joining deadline expiring on December 31.
While 63 other AYUSH doctors have already begun their duties, Dr. Nusrat Parveen did not show up on the final date. Her joining status now appears uncertain with the deadline passed.
Patna Civil Surgeon Dr. Avinash Kumar Singh confirmed that Dr. Nusrat Parveen did not report for duty on the specified day. The health department had previously extended the joining deadline once, but no further extensions have been granted.
“The possibility of her joining now is very slim,” Dr. Singh mentioned. However, he stated that if Dr. Nusrat Parveen submits a written appeal explaining her inability to join within the set time, her case may be considered with special instructions from the department.
Extensions in such cases are strictly managed at the departmental level, and local decisions cannot be made without official approval. Dr. Nusrat Parveen’s appointment stirred controversy after a video circulated on social media showing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulling her hijab during a Health Department event on December 15.
The incident led to widespread criticism and political reactions, continuing the controversy. Opposition leaders, particularly the RJD, emphasized the issue, resulting in significant criticism of the Bihar Chief Minister. The uncertainty persists regarding Dr. Nusrat Parveen assuming her role as an AYUSH doctor.
As of now, she has not taken up her post, and her appointment remains uncertain unless specific directions are issued by the health department.
