Deputy Collector Rupesh clearing files using his inner eye

ALAPPUZHA: Alappuzha Deputy Collector (Revenue Recovery) H Rupesh, who lost his sight completely while studying in Class 10, is unable to read and understand files. However, he settles the files quickly as he can see the problems of people in those files through his inner eye.

Rupesh, son of Alappuzha Kuthirapanthy native VK Haridas and Komala, is the first ranker in the differently-abled category in the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) examination. Five months into the role as Deputy Collector, Rupesh is proving that congenital visual impairment is not a limitation to him.

The government has provided an assistant to Rupesh. Ratheesh, an employee of the Revenue Department. Most of the complaints are related to bank loans, land transfers etc. Ratheesh will read out the information in each file. Rupesh will listen and understand the matter. Since Rupesh knows it will be late if he writes the files and sends them, he will call each department directly and ask them how to solve the problem. Thus, he is able to settle files quickly.

Rupesh does not stay away from field work because of his lack of eyesight. His assistant will be with him to provide information. Rupesh will capture the visited area on his mobile camera with the help of the assistant. After reaching home, he will show the video to his brothers or friends and make sure what he understood was correct.

Self-satisfaction
Although he was born with a disability, he lost his eyesight completely when he was in the 10th standard. Although he can't read, he can write in English and Malayalam. After passing B.Ed and NET, he worked as a higher secondary teacher. That was when he appeared and won the KAS exam. He got an appointment in Alappuzha itself, thanks to the intervention of the Chief Minister. According to Rupesh, his new job gives him immense self-satisfaction.