Living in abject poverty after for Biometric mission in Ukhrul
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, September 25 2012: FOR A young father who feeds his family by plying a taxi in hilly terrain, the destiny has been so spiteful that he now lives in abject poverty after undertaking a Biometric exercise in Ukhrul district and is still running from pillar to post to realize his due for over a year now.

On September 4, 2011, the Bolero Jeep of L Bright � a resident of Ningthi village under Kamjong sub-division and also the driver of the vehicle (MN 03B-2322) � was pushed into service by the then Ukhrul SDO Rajan Vishal and his successor B John Tlangtinkhuma for Biometric exercise in the district.

The vehicle was utilized without paying a single penny to the driver for altogether 44 days.

WAITING FOR JUSTICE: Bright standing in front of his Bolero

A year has passed by and the promises of payment have never been realised till date.

"I was assured that the payment would be made immediately after the tours� bear my own expenses for food, fuel and vehicle servicing till November 14 last year.

I even had to ply my vehicle on Sundays," said the aggrieved driver.

His vehicle has now been laid off from service for about eight months.

Since then, the life of the family has been put into acute difficulty and living on mercy of alms from friends and relations.

"We have two school-going kids.

In this condition, how do we support ourselves as even the little savings was used during the course of the tours? We have been hoping and hoping but nothing comes by�" rued Philangam, the driver's wife.

Last year, the then Ukhrul SDO hired his vehicle with assured conditions of paying Rs.25,000 a month, bearing expenses for fuel, daily sustenance and for vehicle servicing (wear and tear) .

Accordingly, he submitted a bill amounting to Rs.80,000 to the concerned authorities.

For the last 10 months, the district administration was apprised of the matter and eventually the aggrieved party was told to pursue the matter with the Kolkata-based In Media Computer Services LLP�the agency contracted for Biometric exercise in Ukhrul district.