Disabled artist appeals to allow appearing for interview

IMPHAL, May 2: Konthoujam Maikel Meetei, a promising artist who lost his legs in a bomb blast on December 16, 2007 has been rejected by the Director of RIMS to appear in an interview on account of late submission of his Employment Exchange card, said it was not his mistake for the late submission but of the Employment Exchange.

It can be mentioned that Maikel had won various awards and honours including at international, national, state and zonal level painting, poster making, spot photography competitions etc.

Addressing media persons at Manipur Press Club today, Maikel narrated that following the employment notification published in a local daily for a post of Artist at Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) he submitted his card at the Employment Exchange (Disable Section) at Lamphel.

After some days when he went to inquire at the Employment Exchange, he was told to wait for the interview and that they will send the card. However, as per a notification on April 29, 2013 in a local daily regarding the post, he went to submit his bio-data and documents at RIMS and did not find his name in the list of 16 artists issued, he added.

 When he went to the Employment Exchange to ask over his name not being in the list, he alleged that he was told about there not being any quota for physically challenged persons.

 Maikel then said an official namely Hemabati at the Employment Exchange told him that if he wanted to appear in the interview so much he should negotiate to appear it by bribing and writing an application afresh if he have acquaintance at RIMS. And also he was told that he can do anything he wants against them.

When he said he will go and inform the people by addressing a press meet about their cruelty, mistakes and cheating of disability rights, he was stopped by the officials and immediately managed  to send the card which was not sent earlier to RIMS under receipt no 25037 dated 29/04/2013. However, the Director RIMS rejected it stating that it is late, he added.

He then appealed the concerned authority to let him appear for the interview.

During the press meet, Tongbram Romeo, Chairman All Manipur United Disable Organisation said every department is needs to be made aware of the Person with Disability Act. The concerned authority is appealed to make arrangement to allow Maikel to appear in the interview which is scheduled to be held on May 8, 2013.