Mizo Students Union (MSU), in collaboration with Mizoram Blind Society, Aizawl College Joint Students Union, Human Rights and Law Network, etc have taken steps to move the Govt. Of Mizoram to discontinue the service of Ms. B.Sairengpuii, Commissioner, Persons With Disabilities, Mizoram.

B.Sairengpuii retired from Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Govt. Of Mizoram in the year October,2012. She was re-employed in October,2012 as Commissioner, PWD, Mizoram.

But right from the first day she was to join her office as Commissioner. there was strong opposition from various disabled organisations. Many disabled members staged a sitting demonstration in front of her office, blocking her entry. For 3 days they sat outside her office, but she did not show up. Nobody, even the Government seemed to take notice.

For 3 years she continued her service. The tragedy is, she did not lift a finger to help the disabled in anyway. There is also complain among disabled students that she refused to see them on many occasions during her term as Secretary and those who managed to meet her, she told them she has no power to help them. This created a lot of grievances among the disabled community, no achievement, no progress.

Three years later, in 2016, Govt. Of Mizoram extended her period of service for two more years, which violated the rules of Ministry of Personal & Public Grievances Notification 1998, and also notification from Govenment of Mizoram in 2008, and Guwahati High Court Judgement 2014.

Mizo Students Union (MSU) came into the picture with strong opposition. They approached the Chief Minister of Mizoram, who replied, “We will appoint whoever we want, however we want.” The Students Union, dejected, staged a demonstration on 1.8.2016 to block her entering her office; but she did not come that day.

The Students Union, supported by the other groups mentioned above, planned to have a peaceful procession on 21.1.2016.In this connection they were summoned by Secretary, Social Welfare as well as the Home Minister, Mr.Lalzirliana on 20th January,2016. Leaders of MSU and Mizoram Blind Society leaders went to Home Minister’s office first. After having discussion, the Home Minister said he will see to it that B.Sairengpuii’s service will be terminated and to have faith in him. He also told the group not to meet the Secretary, Social Welfare Department as he (the Home Minister) is the authority in the matter. On hearing this, the students decided to call off the peaceful procession for 21st January,2016. However, the Home Minister, again denied saying this in front of the Local News Correspondents within 2 hours. This caused much anger among the group, and they decided to have the procession today as planned. More than 800 students marched towards the office of the Commissioner, PWD, where they are now gathered. They are waiting for B.Sairengpuii to give her resignation in writing.

Before today’s incident, on 18th January,2016, she told the Press that she is not going to resign even though the students are giving pressure, she also said that the Post of Commissioner, Persons With Disabilities is for Secretary level, and nobody at this level is willing to fill up this post except her, which is totally groundless because there was never any advertisement for anyone else to apply for the post. She is the sister-in-law of the present Chief Minister, all to many opinion which indicates favouritism.

As per PWD Act Section 62 & 63, she is not a fit person physically as she is a cancer patient. Also she is not a fit person emotionally because she lacks any knowledge in respect of rehabilitation for PWDs. She is also not aware of the rights bestowed to her as Commissioner PWD, and has not exercised any of her rights.