Priyadarshini, a disabled student who was not promoted after she failed to write two language examinations in the first semester of her BA course in Carnatic music, has fought and won her case in the presence of the State Commissioner for Disabilities, K.S. Rajanna.
Ms. Priyadarshini, a student of KSGH Music and Performing Arts University here, was detained after she claimed exemption and refused to write both the language exams in her first semester.
When she was told by the university that she had to write the language papers along with other subjects, she said the State government gives exemptions to disabled students. Ms. Priyadarshini appealed that she be allowed to write the other papers.
However, the university told her that it had not received any circular from the government stating that disabled students were exempted from writing the language papers. The officials promised to write to the government and get the matter clarified. But they did not get any response from the government and decided to detain Ms. Priyadarshini in the first semester.
Complaint
Based on a complaint from Lalitha, Ms. Priyadarshini’s mother, Mr. Rajanna visited the varsity on Friday and held a discussion with Vice-Chancellor Sarvamangala Shankar and registrars A. Rangaswamy and M.S. Shekar.
Mr. Rajanna had with him a copy of the government order stating that disabled students could be exempted from taking one of two language papers. The commissioner took the university officials to task for their ignorance on the matter and instructed that they allow Ms. Priyadarshini to write her first semester exams and sit for the second semester classes.
He instructed the university to place the matter at its Syndicate meeting and get it approved. He also asked Ms. Shankar to write to the government recommending disciplinary action against the previous registrar, who had insisted that the girl write both the language papers.
He also gave the university officials a dressing down for “demoralising” the disabled girl over “whimsical reasons”, and warned them of severe consequences if they ill treat disabled students.
