Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 03 2010:
With reference to the examination conducted by Manipur Public Service Commission in 2005, secretary general of Handicapped Development Foundation Sapam Jasowanta Singh has claimed a recent decree by the Supreme Court of India which allows appearance of physically challenge candidates in MPSC conducted exams.
Speaking to newspersons at Tera office of the Foundation today, Jasowanta alleged shabby treatment meted out to about 15 physically challenged candidates who applied for appearance in the 2005 MPSC examination.
Explaining that physical deformities of these candidates included low vision, deaf and mute, he said even though the candidates gained access to the examination centre (hall) they were neither allowed to appear for the exam nor permitted to leave the hall with the invigilators asking them to stay put till the end of the examination.
Apparently accusing MPSC authorities for not providing basic facilities such as assigning one junior assistant to each of the handicapped candidates to read out the question and write the answer when the 2005 exam was conducted, Jasowanta said expectation for better facilities in the next examination also turned out to be wishful thinking.
Seeking justice, the matter was brought to notice of the High Court and subsequently the matter was moved to the Supreme Court, he informed while claiming that the apex court in its ruling on October 29, 2010 favoured the petitioner (Jasowanta), who was represented by advocate L Roshni.
The case was contested in the Supreme Court since 2008, he recounted adding that such a provision had already been followed in examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.
Describing the Supreme Court ruling as a precious gift ahead of the Ningol Chakkouba festival, Jasowanta pledged that further efforts would be made to ensure such a facility for the visually impaired section of the society.
He also contended that based on the Supreme Court ruling, Govt of Manipur has taken up relevant initiative to accommodate physically challenged persons appear at MPSC conducted examinations in the future.