Rajasthan health department counts Muslim staff, sparks profiling scare

JAIPUR/ALWAR: The Rajasthan government has sought a head count of Muslim employees working at government health centres, sparking fears of profiling. The order, issued by the joint director (administration) of the health department, Dr B L Saini, on December 9, has left Muslims wondering about the reason behind it. All chief medical health officers in the state have been asked to give a head count of Muslim employees working in sub-health centres, primary health centres and community health centres at different posts - radiographers, lab technicians, dental technicians, nursing staff and other non-gazetted staff. Doctors are exempt. The CMHOs have started collecting the data.

Bharatpur's CMHO Gopal Ram said, "I have directed my deputy to compile the list and send it to the health department by December 15." The health department has clarified that the order was issued in compliance with the Union health ministry's directions to seek such data for the implementation of the Sachar Committee recommendations.