Disabled-Friendly Board Exams: Supreme Court Asks CBSE To Give Case-By-Case Approval For Calculators

The Supreme Court has asked the Central Board of Secondary Education to decide on a case-by-case basis whether a calculator should be allowed for students who have dyslexia or other forms of disabilities, reports News 18.

A CJI headed bench rejected uniform rules in the regard and asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to make a decision taking into account the sensibilities and needs of the concerned candidate.

"The question of providing concessions/facilities to the children/ persons with disabilities, naturally, would depend upon the facts of each case. Consequently, all questions arising are left open to be decided in appropriate cases," the Apex Court stated in its recent order.

Bombay High Court had earlier allowed students suffering from dyslexia to use calculators. It also rejected the contention of the Board that dyslexic candidates should not opt for subjects such as mathematics, accounts, physics and chemistry. It instead asked the Board to encourage them.

However, CBSE had moved the Supreme Court in 2007 against the High Court order. Apex court stayed the order and the matter had been pending before the court since then.

India has been making great strides in addressing the demands of disabled people. The current NDA government had passed an amendment to Person With Disabilities Act, broadening its scope along with Accessible India campaign encouraging disabled-friendly buildings and human resource policies.