Dimapur, August 21 (MExN): The Nagaland Blind Association is in the dark regarding the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) reserving 5% quota for “physically challenged candidates” but only for the backward tribes. Those who are physically challenged but not from BTs have no place in the NPSC selections if the reservation is anything to go by. With no assurance even after meeting with the concern department and strongly viewing what it stated was discrimination, the NBA is contemplating filing a case in court.
The association further asked the Government of Nagaland to either cancel or review the matter in the interest of justice to the disabled citizens’ community.
While acknowledging the 5% reservation for handicapped persons as notified in the NPSC advertisement dated Kohima July 21 (and advertisements in the papers thereafter) the NBA reminded the commission of protection of rights and full participation of the marginalized community. The NBA demanded that the classification, category of BT, be done away with and give all physically challenged persons equal opportunity.
“The association resists the 5% reservation job for the handicapped by inviting only the backward tribes. It points out that it would discriminate the other tribes among the handicap Nagas. Such classification should not be made in Nagaland as per the People with Disability Act 1995” reminded the association through its Secretary Rangau. “The government of Nagaland is requested to cancel or review the matter in the interest of justice” the association demanded.
President of the NBA, Yapang Longkumer, also informed that there are still no assurances from the concern department. He said that he had contacted the NPSC Controller who later said it was actually the “government who issued the order”. So the NBA then contacted Home Secretary who then passed the onus to the Social & Welfare Department as being the one responsible for the order. “There is still no assurance. We want to file a court case against this” the president said.
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