Patna, Dec. 21 -- Amid the controversy triggered by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's viral video linked to the hijab row, Patna Civil Surgeon Dr Avinash Kumar Singh said that the joining of the woman doctor concerned could still take place, subject to approval by the Health Department, adding that extensions to joining deadlines have been granted earlier as well.

Clarifying the existing procedure on Saturday, Dr Singh said that the official time for joining duty is fixed till 6 pm, but this does not rule out the possibility of an extension if the Health Department takes a decision in that regard. He stated that such decisions are administrative in nature and have precedents.

"If she comes here, then we will take her contribution and ...