The Gujarat High Court is informed of the state’s decision to permit candidates with benchmark disability to appear with a scribe for the TET-II exam on April 23
The Gujarat Government announced on Tuesday that it will allow candidates with benchmark disability to appear with a scribe for the Teacher Eligibility Test II (TET-II) exam scheduled for April 23. The decision was conveyed to the Gujarat High Court in response to a petition filed by disabled candidates challenging the state’s previous stance on not providing scribes in accordance with the guidelines set by the Central and State Governments.
Challenging the State’s Position
The petitioners argued that, according to guidelines issued on July 18, 2017, persons with benchmark disabilities should be provided with a scribe for appearing in the written examination on April 23, 2023. Assistant Government Pleader Jyoti Bhat submitted that all petitioners would be permitted to appear with a scribe as referenced in the Government of India, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) O.M. dated August 29, 2018 for the TET-II examination.
High Court’s Decision
Justice Mauna M. Bhatt of the Gujarat High Court’s single-judge bench took note of the state’s decision, conveyed by M.G. Vyas, Secretary of the Education Department. In light of the state’s decision addressing the petitioners’ grievances, the court disposed of the petition without further action.
Implications for Disabled Candidates
The Gujarat Government’s decision to allow scribe assistance for disabled candidates in the TET-II exam represents a significant victory for persons with disabilities seeking equal opportunities in education and employment. By adhering to the guidelines set by the Central and State Governments, the state is taking a step toward ensuring a more inclusive examination process and, ultimately, fostering a more equitable society.
Disabled candidates aspiring to become teachers can now participate in the TET-II exam with the necessary support, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on a level playing field with their non-disabled peers. The Gujarat High Court’s involvement in this matter highlights the important role of the judiciary in upholding the rights of disabled individuals and promoting an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.