Other States - Orissa   

Ace sportswoman stages protest demanding police job

BHUBANESWAR: When cricketer Harbhajan Singh hogged the limelight for his spin artistry, Punjab police did not commit any delay in offering him a post of Deputy Superintendent of police.

Orissa police, however, did just the opposite when a prodigious sportswoman wanted to join them.

Mandakini Mohanta, a gold medallist in Asian Powerlifting Championship, who was adjudged as the Strong Woman of India in 2008, hit the street on Monday demanding she be immediately absorbed as Sub-Inspector of police.

Ironically, Mandakini was not begging for any sympathy from the State government. She had sat in the written examination for SI’s post, went through the tough physical test, appeared in personal interview and was selected.

But due to imbroglio in State government’s reservation policy, the final appointment still continues to elude her. “I began my sports career in 1997 and I have already represented the country in different world events thrice.

I have won the gold medal in Asian Powerlifting Championship held in Kerala. I won the junior national gold medal in 1999,” Mandakini said. She was speaking to reporters at Mahatma Gandhi Marg, the venue of the demonstration.

Several other candidates who were selected by State Staff Selection Commission for the post of SI of police but so far denied appointment were also raising their slogans.

Daughter of a retired Hindi teacher, Mandakini belonged to a lower middleclass family of tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district. She had faced several hurdles to be able to represent the country and bring laurels. However, at this point she feels cheated as her achievements have not been recognised. With flow of income for the family getting dried up, Mandakini has become desperate for a job now.

Staff Selection Commission had invited applications for 350 posts of SIs in November 2006. In August 2007 names of 350 candidates including of Mandakini were published in newspapers.

Due to reservation imbroglio, the authorities had given appointments to only 236 candidates. She was among 114 candidates who were left out.

Recently her hopes flickered fast when State Administrative Tribunal suggested the State government to absorb 114 candidates who were left out in the final appointments. But the Home Department is sitting over the suggestions.

When contacted Director General of Police Gopal Chandra Nanda told The Hindu that the State police had not so far absorbed any sportsperson keeping in mind their spectacular achievement on tracks. “They have to qualify following proper procedures.

To absorb champion sportsperson we need a change in the policy.

The State police is merely an implementing authority,” Mr. Nanda said.

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