The dream of Reshma Dileep, a
visually impaired girl from Thrissur, to embark on her science studies
was shattered when the higher secondary school authorities denied her
admission for studying science group.
Having
scored A+ for 9 out of 10 subjects in matriculation exam, the 15-
year-old had only one dream - to become a science scholar and pursue a
career in teaching. “Blind
students like me are often neglected and discouraged by the authorities
from taking up science subjects. I was asked to go through preadmission
medical test to get admission for science group. They didn’t give me an
eligibility certificate. I want to fight for my education rights,” says
Reshma.
Representing
the fight of hundreds of students like her, Reshma has now filed a
written petition in the High Court to secure admission in Plus- 1 in
the science branch. “She is
very keen on studying science. We appeal to the government and the
authorities to give her a chance to pursue her dream career,” says Latha
Dileep, mother of Reshma.
Though
the CBSE had decided to provide separate question papers in lieu of
practical exam to facilitate visually impaired candidates to take
science subjects at secondary level, the government and the higher secondary authorities in the state are discouraging brilliant students with visual disability from taking up science.
Chakshumati Charitable Trust – the empowerment and assistive technology centre for the blind – has extended its support for the legal fight by Reshma. “This is violation of the fundamental human rights.
Why
only visually impaired students are asked to undergo counselling and
screening? They could give an aptitude test instead of the primitive way
of medical test,” said managing trustee Ram Kamal, Chakshumati.
Higher Secondary joint director examinations S.S. Anil Kumar said that it is impossible to provide assistance for the visually impaired during practical examinations.
Source : Deccan Chronicle , 3rd June 2013
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