Sorry folks for not reporting for 2 days. A lot of you have already heard what happened but let me explain a few issues
1. You all know that in 2013 we got new guidelines for the use of scribes. This was far and beyond what had been given by Courts and definitely more than what we had demanded at different times. 2. So far about one year there was not too much of a problem because no one really implemented the guidelines. 3. Then the penny dropped-U PS C and others started saying that these guidelines were unfair. 4. Some of our own VI candidates decided that these guidelines gave them the right to have overqualified or should I say coached writers. 5. Our other VI who suffered because of the special writers complained to U P S C and to the Courts-Bombay and Eranakulam I am told. 6. Then the Government set up our committee. We met about 3 times but could not agree so the MSJE set up a sub-committee. 7. This subcommittee gave a report which we had to discuss at this meeting on 20th June. 8. I had shared the sub-committee's report and the comments of U PS C and SSC. 9. Our meeting started an hour and half late because the Secretary had gone to meet the Minister. 10. Before she came in the other committee members gave theiropinion on the subcommittees report. Only Mr. Rungta and I were left to give our comments when the Secretary arrived and we started the formal meeting. 11. It was quite a hot debate. 12. The problem with govt agencies is that they don't send the same person to the followup meetings. This includes U P S C and our own NIVH. This hampers progressive discussion and we cannot pin the representative down. 13. There was no problem with compensatory time etc. The recommendations of the Sub-committee were accepted. 14. So what have we won or should I say retained-the first right of the candidate to choose his scribe. If not available then the Examining body can provide not less than a matriculate. 15. Further you can meet your scribe 2 days in advance. 16. Some other devices etc for other disabilities that can be used.Our committee added to Sub committee recommendations. This added to the original guidelines. 17. The only problem with the subcommittee's suggestion is that they are not allowing you to use your own laptop. I however feel that this should not be in the guidelines. I know atleast 2 members on this list who have used their own laptops and didn't have a problem after explanations. This may be considered to be a loss and squarely attributable to the subcommittee. 18. Now the loss that will bother us some day-the scribe has to be less in qualification than the candidate. 19. So this guideline has got nothing to do with the exam but only with the candidate. Keeping in mind that the minimum educational qualification for a scribe is matriculation. This does not sound too bad but ground realities will tell. 20. So the meeting ended about three and half hours later with 2 cups of tea and 4 biscuits thrown in. The Secretary will have to report to the courts. 21. The fact that we have the right to choose our own scribe is going to be debated over and over again until we stop the malpractises and each of you reading my email or whatsapp need to take care of the situation. You are responsible for what lies ahead. I know the argument about supervision. 22. It is not an easy task to take the whole room on by just 2 people. We did it because you gave us strength. We were prepared and many weren't. However it has taken lots of persuasion, anger, raised voices and a lot of diplomacy. 23. What will let us down is the continuous use of professional scribes. 24. Please help by giving me the reference to the Bombay High Court and Eranakulam cases. We will have to intervene. 25. Thanks to each of you who respond to my urgent requests and give your input on these crucial issues. 26. It has been 12 years battling this menace. I wish I dint have to face a meetingwhere I am told that my people are cheating. I further wish that none of my people suffer because of bad scribes. Kanchan --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.com Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list..
