The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) of Kerala has issued a significant directive to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), urging it to provide additional time during examinations for students diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes. This move aims to align the national board's policies with the existing provisions for students under the state government.
Commission's Directive for Equal Treatment
Justice Alexander Thomas, the chairperson of the SHRC, has instructed the CBSE secretary and the Kerala regional director to treat this matter with utmost urgency and seriousness. The commission firmly stated that denying extra time to students with Type-1 diabetes is a violation of their fundamental right to equality. It warned that if CBSE continues its current approach, it would amount to a legal infringement.
Existing State Policy and the Foundation's Complaint
Currently, the Kerala state government provides a concession of an additional 20 minutes per hour for students with medical conditions appearing for the Class X and XII board exams. This facility has recently been extended to cover vocational higher secondary examinations as well.
The issue was brought to the commission's attention by Bushra Shihab, an official from the Type-1 Diabetes Foundation, who filed a formal complaint. The SHRC advised Shihab to submit a detailed application to the CBSE secretary. The commission further recommended that once received, the application should be forwarded to medical experts at premier institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for their professional advice, which should then be communicated back to the complainant.
A Timeline for Dignity and Decision
Emphasizing that children's right to live with dignity must not be compromised, the SHRC has set a clear timeline for resolution. It has asked the authorities to conduct a hearing with the complainant via video conference and arrive at a final decision within two months. The commission has mandated that the final decision be reported back to it for review.
This intervention highlights a growing push for inclusive educational policies that accommodate the specific needs of students with chronic health conditions, ensuring they have a fair and equitable opportunity to demonstrate their academic capabilities.
