Court relaxes norms for scribes in exams conducted by UPSC, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court directed the UPSC to ease procedures for changing scribes in exams for persons with disabilities.
• The court mandated the use of screen-reader software for visually impaired candidates during exams.
• The ruling coincides with International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
• UPSC must allow scribe change requests up to seven days before the exam.
• These requests must be decided within three working days via a reasoned order.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court emphasized that the Constitution envisions equal participation of persons with disabilities in the nation's progress.
• Mission Accessibility filed a petition seeking changes to UPSC's scribe registration timeline and laptop usage during the Civil Services Examination.
• The court stressed that UPSC, as a constitutional body, must ensure accessible, transparent, and sensitive processes for all segments of society.
• The ruling aims to ensure that equal opportunity and meaningful participation for persons with disabilities is a reality in public examinations.
• UPSC examination notifications must include a clear provision permitting eligible candidates to request a change of scribe.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Scribe: A person who assists a visually impaired or otherwise disabled person in writing an examination.
• Screen-reader software: Assistive technology that converts text and images on a computer screen into audio or braille output.
• Constitutional body: An organization established and governed by a country's constitution.