Facing flak over a circular asking its nursing staff not to use Malayalam at work, the Delhi government-run G B Pant hospital on Sunday revoked the order and said strict action will be taken in the matter. “The circular which was issued by the nursing superintendent, G B Pant hospital, without any instructions or knowledge of the hospital administration and the Delhi government stands withdrawn with immediate effect,” read a new order issued by Medical Director Dr Anil Agarwal.

“The matter is being investigated and strict action will follow,” Dr Agarwal told PTI. The circular issued on Saturday read, “A complaint has been received regarding Malayalam language being used for communication in working places in GIPMER. Maximum patients and colleagues do not know this language and feel helpless causing a lot of inconvenience. So, all nursing personnel are directed to use only Hindi and English for communication. Otherwise, serious action will be taken.”