Dr Nusrat Parveen, the doctor who found herself in the eye of a political storm, has officially commenced her government service in Bihar. Her joining, which occurred on Wednesday, comes more than three weeks after her initial posting order was issued and follows intense public scrutiny.
A Delayed Induction Amidst Public Scrutiny
The path to her official duty was far from straightforward. Dr Parveen's posting order was first issued on December 15, the same day a video from an appointment letter distribution event went viral. The footage showed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lifting her veil, an act that sparked widespread political outrage and debate.
Following the controversy, the state health department directed her to join her duties by December 20. When she did not report for duty the following week, the authorities granted an extension, first until December 31 and then ultimately to January 7. Officials cited "special circumstances" for these delays.
Formal Joining and Competing Offer
According to officials who confirmed the development to TOI, Dr Parveen submitted her joining report at the Civil Surgeon’s office in Patna. She has been posted at the Sabalpur Primary Health Centre (PHC) under the Patna Sadar subdivision.
A senior Bihar government official revealed that Dr Parveen completed her mandatory medical tests on January 6 before formally joining the state service the next day. "She has completed all joining formalities. We hope the matter ends here," the official stated.
The period of delay was marked by significant professional uncertainty for Dr Parveen. During this time, she also received a lucrative job offer from the neighbouring Jharkhand government, promising a salary of Rs 3 lakh per month.
Relief for the Health Department
Dr Parveen's eventual joining has brought considerable relief to the Bihar health department. The department had previously warned that a failure to report by the January 7 deadline could lead to the cancellation of her appointment.
With the doctor now formally on duty, officials indicated that the department is ready to move past the entire episode. The resolution closes a chapter that intertwined a personal career milestone with a very public political and social controversy.
