Jamshedpur, March 1: Two physically challenged persons today started an indefinite dharna in front of Adityapur Industrial Area Development Authority (AIADA) office demanding job.

Holding placards, Satya Narayan Mishra and Prabhat Kumar squatted at the entrance of the AIADA office claiming that they had met the managing director of the AIADA last year for a job in private companies on the basis of their merit, but they were provided none.

Mishra has a degree of mechanical tracer, while Kumar is a diploma holder in fine arts from Jamshedpur School of Fine Art. For years, both of them ran from pillar to post to get a job in the private sector, but in vain. Tired, they have decided to stage an indefinite protest till the AIADA management arranged them jobs.

Kumar, speech and hearing impaired, expressed that it was better to die in front of AIADA officers than suffering everyday. “I am unable to feed my child. My parents are also dependent on me. I have no option but to squat on an indefinite dharna. If a job is not provided shortly, we have no choice but to commit suicide,” Kumar wrote on a piece of paper.

The British Council has recognised Kumar’s painting, which was exhibited on the memories of childhood at the Queen’s Gallery in 1999.

“My painting was levelled as a reflection of rare sensitivity for the environment. But none of the academic institutions is in a favour of appointing me as a teacher. I know my limitations but I can communicate with the help of interpreters,” Kumar claimed in writing.

Mishra, the other challenged person, has working experience of 12 years in TRF Limited as a tracer. But none of the private companies, said one of his aides, offered him a suitable job. “The company computerised its design engineering wing. So I was no more required. I had applied in several companies but none of them provided me a job,” Mishra expressed with the help of an interpreter.