UPSC-Relevant News Items

1. Hijab row doctor fails to join duty; Jharkhand minister offers high-salary job

Page: 2

Summary:

• • The doctor whose hijab was pulled down by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar failed to report for her newly assigned duty at a Community Health Centre (CHC) in Patna Sadar by the final deadline.
• • Condemning the CM's action, Jharkhand Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari offered the doctor a government position in Jharkhand with a Rs 3 lakh monthly salary and accommodation.
• • The incident sparked widespread political criticism and was strongly condemned by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), which called the attempt to pull down the headscarf an attack on the dignity of the woman.

Additional Facts:

• • The Indian Constitution guarantees religious freedom (Article 25) and the right to dignity (Article 21) for all citizens, including public sector employees. Institutions like the judiciary and National Commission for Women are critical mechanisms for upholding these fundamental rights against violations.

Linkage with UPSC course:

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