The Supreme Court’s ruling to allow all disabled candidates to use scribes for examinations, irrespective of benchmark disability criteria, marks a watershed moment in India’s pursuit of inclusivity and equal opportunity. By dismantling arbitrary restrictions, the court has reaffirmed the constitutional promise of fairness and dignity for persons with disabilities (PwD), ensuring that no one is left behind due to systemic barriers. Earlier, only candidates with a certified benchmark disability of 40 percent or more were permitted to use scribes. This exclusionary criterion often denied assistance to individuals who, despite not meeting the benchmark, faced genuine challenges in writing exams independently. The Court’s ruling rectifies this inequity, emphasising the need for a system prioritising individual needs over rigid classifications. The Court’s directive to amend the 2022 office memorandum and ensure “proper and just” implementation is particularly significant. It addresses systemic issues such as bureaucratic delays in obtaining disability certificates and the unavailability of scribes in rural areas. Furthermore, the Court’s recommendation to extend the validity period of scribe certification beyond six months acknowledges the logistical challenges faced by candidates, especially in underserved regions.
Equally commendable is the court’s emphasis on periodic sensitisation drives within educational institutions and examination bodies. True inclusion requires policy changes and a shift in societal attitudes. These drives can help dispel misconceptions about disabilities and foster a culture of empathy and support, ensuring that PwD candidates are treated with the respect they deserve. The establishment of a grievance redressal portal is another welcome step, providing candidates with a mechanism to address concerns without resorting to lengthy legal battles. This move promises greater transparency and accountability, reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that often plague PwD candidates. While the Supreme Court’s decision is a landmark victory for inclusivity, its success hinges on effective implementation. The Government must remove procedural bottlenecks and ensure that the ruling translates into tangible benefits for PwD candidates. This judgement should serve as a catalyst for broader reforms, paving the way for a society where no individual is denied opportunities due to physical limitations.
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