The Supreme Court has decided to examine a dyslexic student's plea for using calculator in the CBSE exams to overcome his disability.
The Supreme Court has decided to examine a dyslexic student's plea for using calculator in the CBSE exams to overcome his disability.
A bench headed by the Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan decided to take up the matter on Friday after counsel J L Gupta, appearing for Pranjay Jain, a Class X11, student of school in Panchukula in Haryana, mentioned the matter in the court.
Gupta, appearing for Pranjay Jain, contended the action of CBSE in not allowing use of calculator was violative of his fundamental rights.
CBSE had earlier turned the dyslexia-afflicted boy's plea for using a calculator and the Delhi high court concurred with the Board's decision.
"Right to education has been recognised as a fundamental rights under Article 21 and 21A of the Constitution. CBSE's rejection of the request of the petitioner is illegal, unjust, unfair and arbitrary, being violative of the provisions of the Constitution," he submitted
during the mentioning hour.
As the examination is nearing completion, the petitioner has sought permission of using calculator at least in Mathematics paper scheduled for March 22.
"World over, such children are provided use of computers, word processors, voice recognition software and many electronic aids during examinations and for higher studies. Even in India, other school boards, including Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), has issued guidelines permitting use of scientific calculators by dyslexic students," the petition said.
It said CBSE's action was contrary to its own circular enunciating its policy decision with regard to inclusive education of children with disabilities.
The petition said the circulars issued by CBSE specifically advised parents "to provide support through assistive devices".
Earlier, Pranjay had sought permission from CBSE to allow him to use calculator in examination but it declined the request.
Aggrieved by the denial, he approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court which also rejected his plea after which he appealed in the apex court.
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