When Bihar's IGIMS asked 'are you a virgin' – Centre, state seek report on Patna hospital's bizarre form

Patna: The Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science (IGIMS) in Bihar capital Patna has triggered a controversy by asking its employees to declare their virginity in a marital status declaration form.

Taking cognizance, the Centre, as well as the state, have asked the government-run hospital to submit a report on the issue.

Earlier today, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey said `virgin` just means unmarried and there is nothing objectionable in it being written in the form.

"The word which is used is `virgin`. It means unmarried girl, maiden. I don`t think these words are not objectionable. But still, this issue is being raised. I had a word with the officials of the IGIMS. They said that this is the format of AIIMS and since 1983, it is being used in every organisation of the country," Pandey told news agency ANI. He added that the declaration has been used for 34 years the same way.

However, the office of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has now asked the institute to submit a report.

The IGIMS in its form also asks the employees about the number of wives and details about the past marriages of their spouses.

Then they have to indicate if "That I am married to a person who has no other wife living" or "That I am married to a person who has another wife living" or "That I am married and have more than one wife".

"It is embarrassing for all of us to say anything," a health official said.

However, IGIMS Medical Superintendent Manish Mandal told media that there is nothing unusual in the form.

"The IGIMS follows New Delhi's AIIMS which in turn follows CCS rules. The form is according to prescribed rules, which are made by the government and Constitution. If they change the word, we will change it," Mandal said.