Scribe scarcity worries PU’s visually impaired students.
Chandigarh: As Panjab University students prepare for upcoming exams, their visually impaired classmates are facing an additional challenge — finding a scribe who could put on paper what they have studied.
Though the appeal made by Himachal Pradesh Student Union (HPSU), which has also created a database to compile a list of volunteers, has received a positive response from 100 students, it is to be seen how many of them actually show up.
HPSU president Gourav said, “Scribes were one of the demands in our protest held in collaboration with visually impaired students, which has yet to be fulfilled by the university.” INSO general secretary Deepak Goyat also said that despite repeated efforts and demands, assistance from varsity was still awaited.
The PU’s decision to leave the responsibility of finding scribes on the visually impaired students has raised concerns in their community. The varsity has at least 40 such students. “Scribes are not easy to come by, and the hunt for one is not only sapping our energy but also adding to the exam stress,” said one such student, Naman. “Unlike Delhi University, where a range of facilities such as recording devices and Braille books are available, PU falls short of being truly blind- friendly,” he added. “We have limited access to recorded lectures for each subject and have to rely on borrowed written notes. Since gadgets and assistive technology are scarcely available and accessible, we often seek help from others to read the notes for us. After navigating through these hurdles, the real stress begins when we have to hunt for suitable scribes. While studies remain our primary concern, finding a scribe becomes our top priority,” said one student.
As per another student Naresh, many of them, including those with exams on November 29 and 30, were aware that only one person has secured a scribe. “Last year, we presented a list of 14 demands, one of which was for a scribe, but it remains unfulfilled and overlooked,” he added. Naresh said the only relief they had was provision of oral submission of assignments. Only one device with the equal opportunity cell, which also comes with a time restriction, is currently available at the university. The students said that their timings overlapped with the class schedule,” he added.
Senior faculty members are of opinion that provision of scribes by the university could alleviate the stress and anxiety of students and prevent potential misuse. Proposals also include reinstating financial incentives for scribes and creating a database on a portal, they added.
However, officials claimed that the equal opportunity cell was working to gather volunteers and create some panels for assistance. As per the information, the equal opportunity cell has held two meetings with the NSS. Upcoming plans include creation of a bank of scribes and making compulsory 30 hours for NSS volunteers towards this work. Till that time, the cell will be assisting students in case they find it difficult to get a scribe.
Regarding scribes, the UGC emphasises on accommodating benchmark disabilities and ensuring candidates have the discretion to choose their scribes or request assistance from the examination body. The examination body may also identify a suitable scribe to form a panel at the district/ division/state level. In such instances, candidates must be allowed to meet the scribe two days before the exam to verify suitability. If the examination provides a scribe, they should ensure that the qualifications exceed the minimum qualification criteria.
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