Parents do homework in advance to look for Board exam writers

EXAM BLUES Form groups on social networking sites to interact with those keen to be a writer

› Sometimes, we still look for a writer a day before the exams. For some children, it is difficult to adjust with a new person at a short notice. ASHA MOHITE, resident of Waghbil

THANE : After the examination dates for Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) was announced last week, families of students with physical disabilities have started looking for writers.

They have started early to avoid the last-minute confusion.

Thosewithdisabilitieshaveto first take permission to get a writer from Maharashtra State Board for Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE). Only then can they look for a writer.

As the entire process takes a lot of time, parents have started early.

“Sometimes, we are still looking for a writer a day before the exams. For some children, it gets difficult to adjust with a new person at a short notice. This can affect their exams,” said Asha Mohite, resident of Waghbil who has a 15-year-old son who cannot write due to a neurological disorder.

She said they formed groups onsocialnetworkingsitessothat it is easy to find a reliable writer.

“Parents of children with disabilities interact with those who are keen to be a writer. This has now become a comfortable platform,” she said.

Parents from Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mulund are part of the groups on the social media. They are usually divided areawise as they can look for a writer who lives near the exam centre.

Some schools have a writers’ bank in which those interested can register. Those who need help can easily contact people from the bank.

“We have schools of different

mediums on our premises and we encourage all students equally. Over the years, our writers’bankhasbeenaboonfor children who need help. There have been instances when a child had a fracture or met with an accident during exams. Our writers’ bank is beneficial during this period,” said Fr Saturnino Almeida, director, Fr Agnel Multipurpose School, Vashi.

Although there are various social organisations that help find a writer, it becomes difficult if it is for a student from a Marathi medium.

Parentshavefondthegroupto be helpful. “We have included a counsellor and teachers from private coaching classes in the groups. This helps solve other doubts or queries related to children with disabilities,” said Karan Singh, 43, a resident of Naupada, Thane.

In2017, Maharashtrastarteda portal to create a writers’ bank forstudentswithdisabilities, but it is now defunct.

A Government Resolution was passed in 2017 after a group of doctors approached the state and initiated the move.

The facility was made available to students of Class 1 to 12 to boost their confidence and make writers easily available.

Schools had to register online. Those looking for writers would then approach the registered ones based on the selected area. Each school would give details of writers available and these would be added to the pool.

But, the portal is defunct for almost a year now.