Thiruvananthapuram: The state government’s continued discrimination against the differently abled has sparked controversy. The Department of Public Education has rejected the criteria set by the State Commissionerate for Persons with Disabilities, creating hurdles for differently abled children seeking examination relaxations. Despite the Central government’s notification recognizing the Unique Disability ID Card as an authentic document, the education department insists on requiring a medical board certificate. It is exacerbating difficulties for the differently abled and their parents, in obtaining necessary documentation.
On October 28, 2023, the Department of Education had released general instructions for differently abled students appearing for the SSLC exam. According to this, children facing 21 types of challenges, including visual and hearing disabilities, intellectual disability, and mental retardation, were required to submit a medical board certificate showing 40 percent or more disability to get relaxations in examinations. This criterion remains unchanged for the upcoming SSLC exam in March.
Responding to the injustice, Ayroor resident VS Manju filed a petition with the State Disability Commissioner’s court in November. Commissioner SH Panchapakesan intervened, instructing education authorities to adhere to the guidelines. Health Department officials also highlighted in court the impracticality of requesting a medical certificate while disregarding the uniform identity card provided to differently abled individuals after proper evaluation.
Since June 1, 2021, the Unique Disability ID Card has been recognized as a valid document for differently abled children to access educational benefits. The rule exempting those with an identity card or disability certificate from needing additional medical documentation. Despite this regulation, the Education Department’s insistence on medical certificates creates unnecessary hurdles for differently abled children and their families.
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