By Admin 
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken a big step towards providing screen reader software for visually impaired candidates in civil services examination and other examinations. The Commission told the Supreme Court on Friday that the national recruitment body has decided in principle to start using screen reader software for visually impaired candidates in various examinations to be conducted. However, testing of the infrastructure and software required for this is still pending.
What information did UPSC give to the Supreme Court?
UPSC has given this information while filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court. The Commission said that it is ready to implement this facility, but the necessary software and infrastructure for this is still being examined. As soon as these software and infrastructure are completely tested and ready for the examination, this facility will be provided at the examination centres. This came to light during the hearing on the petition of an organization named Mission Accessibility. It was said in the petition that visually impaired candidates do not get adequate facilities in the UPSC examination. The petitioner also told the court that UPSC should complete this arrangement by setting a time limit, so that this facility can be available to visually impaired candidates before the next examination.
UPSC sought cooperation from state governments
UPSC stated in its affidavit that they do not have any examination center of their own. To conduct the examination, it takes the help of state governments, district administrations, schools and colleges. For this reason, the Commission has written a letter to all the District Collectors and Chief Secretaries asking them to ensure the facility of screen reader software as soon as possible, so that the visually impaired candidates do not face any problem. The Commission said that it has also talked to the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disability, Dehradun, so that their computer labs can be used as examination centres. Similarly, a letter has also been sent to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Whereas DEPwD told UPSC that it is ready to upgrade these labs as special exam centres. However, the department clarified that the responsibility of providing software and preparation of question paper will be of UPSC only.
This system may be implemented from next year
During the hearing, the Supreme Court bench asked UPSC how much time this process would take. After which it was told by the Commission that this facility can be implemented from next year’s examination cycle. The court also said that it would not be right if visually impaired candidates had to go to another city to appear for the exam. Therefore, UPSC should try to have at least one center in every big city where this facility is available.
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