JAIPUR — In an unusual move, the BJP government in Rajasthan has sought details of Muslim employees working in health department across the state, Deccan Herald reports.
The order circulated on November 30, 2017 by Directorate of Medical Health and Family Planning, Jaipur has sought information of Muslim employees working in health department from all 33 districts, including at sub-district level. The order has been issued by Joint Director, Health department.
While the order has raised eyebrows among the employees, the Medical department is playing it safe by calling it an exercise recommended by the central government. B L Saini, Joint Director, Health department confirmed to Deccan Herald, “We had received a letter from Govt of India which directed us to compile a list of Muslim employees for their welfare under Sachar Committee. Likewise, we sent a circular to medical and health departments in each district. We will be compiling the list in another 6 days.” Asked if this exercise first of its kind, Saini said, “I don’t know if we did it in previous years but this year we are doing it.”
Along with the circular, Health department has also enclosed a proforma to be filled by each Muslim employee. “The proforma is simple. Apart from name and other details, information about family and date of retirement are among the questions”, Saini said.
Panic waves
However, the exercise has sent panic waves among the Muslim employees in district and sub-district level health centres. “I have been working in the department for 6 years and i have never been asked to fill a proforma, which categorically talks about my religion, work profile, family, date of joining and retirement. Earlier I was reluctant to fill the form but eventually I was given repeated reminders to fill the form”, a health department employee in Pratapgarh said, requesting anonymity.