Disabled youth to get preference in NIP

ISALMABAD Taking action on TheNations story, the Ministry of Youth Affairs on Wednesday issued special directives to the concerned department for giving priority to the disabled and deserving students in its project of the National Internship Programme (NIP). Federal Minister for Youth Affairs, Shahid Hussian Bhutto has taken notice of the story about a youth, Imran Ahmed Turk whose ordeal was published by TheNation last month. The Minister contacted this scribe on Wednesday to inform that due consideration has been paid in this regard and deserving youths would be accommodated on the priority basis. He continued that the NIP badge of 2009 would be closed on 15th of July and soon after, the induction of 2010 batches would start, in which the disabled and deserving candidates would be given priority over others. We open special help lines for convenience of the internees, the Minister added. He opined that the process of selection of internees took sometime in order to ensure transparency and rule of merit. Replying to a question, the Minister said, due to absence of Secretary NIP, the internees faced difficulties in getting salaries, but now, he added, the problem is addressed. It may be mentioned here that Imran was severely injured when his bedrooms rooftop fell on him in October 8, 2005 earthquake. His legs and kidneys developed grim fractures and he underwent multiple surgeries from Agha Khan Hospital Karachi. But this nerve-wrecking trauma could not break Imrans resolve to pursue his educational endeavours and support his family. The brave youth completed his education and did four-year B.S honours in Applied Geology from University of Muzaffarabad in first division. Soon after completing education, Imran applied for the NIP last year so that he could financially support his family and acquire some experience in relevant field. When Imran was informed on Wednesday about the Ministers decision to accommodate the deserving candidates on priority basis, he thanked the Minister with the hope that the merit would be upheld and transparency be ensured.