Hijab row: 'Why limit Rs 3 lakh salary to one woman?' BJP MP questions Jharkhand govt's job offer
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Patna: The political fallout from the Bihar hijab controversy intensified on Sunday, with BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal criticising the Jharkhand government's decision to offer a job with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh to AYUSH doctor Nusrat Parveen. Jaiswal argued that such high remuneration should not be an isolated gesture but a standard for all if implemented.
The dispute stems from an incident on December 20 at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Patna during an appointment letter distribution ceremony. A video surfaced showing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asking Dr. Nusrat Parveen to remove her face covering, reportedly asking "What is this?" before lifting the veil himself.
The visuals sparked a major political row, drawing condemnation from opposition parties including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and triggering debates across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Jammu and Kashmir.
In response to the incident, Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari announced on Saturday that his government would offer Dr. Parveen employment with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh, along with a government residence and a preferred posting. Ansari framed the offer as a corrective measure, alleging that Nitish Kumar had attempted to insult the hijab and the Muslim community.
Reacting to the offer, Sanjay Jaiswal told IANS that the move appeared discriminatory against other employees. "It is fine to offer her a salary of Rs 3 lakh, but it shouldn't be limited to just one woman. Everyone should get the same amount," he said.
"Giving only one woman a Rs 3 lakh salary while others get Rs 32,000 is something only the Jharkhand government can do; no one else can," Jaiswal added, mocking the disparity in pay scales.
Amidst the escalating rhetoric, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan attempted to de-escalate the situation. While clarifying that he was not defending the Chief Minister, Khan emphasized that Nitish Kumar views all citizens as his daughters. The Governor appealed to political parties to refrain from politicising the issue and urged Dr. Parveen to join her duty.
Despite the appeals and the job offer from the neighbouring state, reports indicate that Dr. Parveen did not report for duty on Saturday.
(Inputs from IANS)