Extra time for the disabled in SCERT exams

The Delhi State Council of Education, Research and Training has decided to allow an extra time of 20 minutes per hour to persons with disabilities who take the assistance of a writer.

The decision was taken in compliance with National Human Rights Commission recommendations.

In a statement, the NHRC said the SCERT would allot extra time to candidates in the examinations scheduled from April-May 2011 onwards.

The SCERT could not implement the recommendation in 2010 as the examinations had almost finished. It has, however, granted 20 minutes extra time per hour to disabled candidates who are reappearing for their examinations.

The issue was taken up by the NHRC on the basis of a complaint lodged on May 10 by a disabled candidate Ankit Gautam who wanted the Commission to intervene and direct the SCERT to allow him an additional hour for a written examination he was to appear for on May 14.

A notice was issued to the SCERT Director that the complainant's needs should be taken care of. According to the SCERT response to the notice, the candidate was permitted extra time of half an hour along with a writer.

The Commission later recommended that extra time of at least 20 minutes should be given for written tests of one hour duration. The Commission has also asked the Delhi SCERT Examination Controller to issue necessary guidelines for the benefit of persons with disabilities.

The Chief Secretaries of various State Governments will also be informed about the move by the Delhi SCERT so that they can also take similar action.