Hmar Student Body Rebuts KSA Allegations, Defends MPSC Candidate Jerry Buongpui’s Disability Status

The Hmar Students' Association (HSA) on Thursday issued a clarification statement regarding certain claims recently published online by The Sangai Express, Imphal, and other news outlets on May 30, 2026, under the title “KSA Urges MPSC to Review Selection of Candidate Under Disability Category.” The publication contains several factual inaccuracies that create a misleading impression regarding the professional conduct and disability status of Mr. Jerry Lalhratthang Buongpui.

The student body clarified that Jerry has bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) with high-frequency hearing loss, which is a permanent hearing impairment.

Contrary to the publication's claim that the MPSC “selected a candidate without benchmark disability,” the HSA categorically stated that he is duly recognized as a Person with Benchmark Disability (PwBD). He possesses a valid Disability Certificate issued under the authority of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Government of Manipur, confirming a 66 percent hearing loss, along with a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card issued under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

Secondly, the publication alleges that he has “failed multiple medical examinations conducted earlier to be recognised as a person with benchmark disability.” This assertion is both harsh and misleading, as it is based on incomplete information. Over the years, he has undergone numerous medical examinations at both private and government hospitals, all of which have consistently documented his hearing impairment. However, assessments conducted through the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) at institutions such as AIIMS and Army Hospitals have produced inconsistent and discrepant results. Conversely, when he underwent testing at AIIMS through a personal appointment, the results qualified him under the benchmark disability category. The question remains: how and why do such discrepancies occur? It was precisely these conflicting findings that led him to seek judicial intervention before the Delhi High Court.

Thirdly, the publication inaccurately states:

"A medical examination, as mandated by the Central Services Examination Rules, 2024, was then conducted at Safdarjung Hospital, but Jerry failed to reach the benchmark disability of 40 percent. A Benchmark Disability Expert Panel of AIIMS then re-examined Jerry and found him not to be a person with benchmark disability."

For clarity and to avoid confusion, the Hmar student body explained the medical examination process followed at the UPSC level. The examination conducted at Safdarjung Hospital was a general medical fitness assessment. The disability evaluation was conducted separately at AIIMS. Following the AIIMS assessment, an appeal was filed seeking a fresh evaluation, upon which Jerry was referred to the Appellate Disability Board at Army Hospital (Research and Referral), where another assessment was conducted.

The Appellate Board recorded findings different from those of AIIMS. Furthermore, when the Court directed the authorities to conduct the same tests, different results were again obtained. The question remains why the test results vary each time they are conducted at designated institutions, while consistent findings are recorded in private and government hospitals when the assessments are undertaken independently by him.

Fourthly, the publication states that “the Delhi High Court had then disposed of his case.” Contrary to the impression created by the Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA) that the Court's order represents a final verdict, HSA clarified that the matter has not attained finality. The case is currently pending before the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court.

Fifthly, the HSA noted with concern the repeated use of the term “failed” in relation to Jerry's medical examinations. Such language is inappropriate and misleading, particularly when the matter remains sub judice.

The student body also would like to inform the public that following the allocation of posts by the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC), the concerned authorities will independently conduct further medical and disability assessments. We welcome this process and are confident that these examinations will be conducted transparently and in accordance with the guidelines issued on March 12, 2024, under Section 56 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, governing the assessment of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).

The Hmar Students' Association believes that such evaluations will provide a fair and accurate determination of Jerry's disability status. We remain available to provide any supporting documentation necessary to ensure a complete and accurate understanding of the matter.

Lastly, the Hmar apex student body reiterated that disability assessments must be conducted strictly in accordance with official guidelines, free from discrimination and inconsistencies, given the seriousness and sensitivity of the issue. We believe that KSA could have undertaken proper study and research before making serious allegations that have adversely affected the reputation of a hearing-impaired candidate, HSA said, adding that it is unfortunate that a student body would publish such claims on a public platform without first conducting a comprehensive and accurate examination of the relevant facts.

The Hmar Students Association strongly condemn such actions and hope that similar situations do not arise in the future. As a student body, we firmly believe that only genuine candidates should enter public service. Therefore, we will continue to stand with Jerry in his pursuit of justice and in advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

We also have full confidence that the Manipur Public Service Commission and the competent authorities will conduct all future assessments in a transparent, impartial, and lawful manner, the Hmar apex student body said.