Ranchi, December 20, 2025 – Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari has extended an offer of employment and accommodation to a female doctor from Bihar, following a controversy surrounding the removal of her naqab (veil) by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The incident, which occurred during an appointment letter distribution program in Patna, has sparked widespread political debate and triggered legal action.
Ansari announced on Saturday that he has invited the doctor to work in Jharkhand's Health Department, with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh, a government flat, a posting of her choice, and full security. He strongly condemned the Bihar Chief Minister's actions, calling it an affront to human dignity, honor, and the Constitution. Ansari emphasized the incident was not merely an attack on an individual but an assault on the values of respect and decency. He further stated that this decision of offering job is a victory for women's self-respect, human dignity, and constitutional values.
The controversy erupted on Monday, December 15, during a ceremony at the Chief Minister's secretariat in Patna where AYUSH doctors were receiving their appointment letters. Kumar, upon seeing the woman doctor's naqab, questioned "what is this?" and proceeded to remove it. The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral, igniting a political firestorm.
The said doctor, Nusrat Praveen, was scheduled to join duty on Saturday, December 20. However, following the incident, there were rumors that she would decline the position. According to the principal of Government Tibbi College and Hospital, Mahfoozur Rahman, Praveen's family conveyed concerns about the public attention and stated that she would rethink her decision. Despite this, Rahman stated that her family assured him she would be joining duty on December 20.
The incident has drawn criticism from various quarters, including condemnation from several West Asian countries. Kumar has faced accusations of disrespecting Muslim traditions, with some alleging a connection to the "RSS agenda". Conversely, Bihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal dismissed the controversy as unnecessary, asserting that the state government has taken significant strides toward women's empowerment.
Meanwhile, former BJP legislator Bhanu Pratap Sahi has criticized Ansari's job offer, labeling it as "politics of appeasement". A social worker has also filed a complaint against Kumar with the Itki police station based on the video purportedly showing him removing the doctor's naqab.
This incident has also sparked speculation regarding Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's health. Opposition leaders have alleged that he is not fully fit to govern.
The situation remains sensitive, with various parties expressing their opinions and concerns. It remains to be seen whether the doctor will accept the job offer from Jharkhand, and what further repercussions this incident will have on the political landscape of both states.
