Thrissur: The General Education Department has granted special permission to Aneesha Ashraf, a 32-year-old woman from Thrissur who lives with muscular dystrophy, to write her Class 10 grade equivalency examination from home. General Education Minister V. Sivankutty approved the request as a special case.
Muscular dystrophy is a group of more than 30 genetic disorders that cause progressive weakening and degeneration of skeletal muscles. The condition varies in onset and severity and becomes worse over time. Many people with muscular dystrophy eventually lose mobility. The disorder affects people worldwide and often runs in families. Aneesha developed the condition at the age of eight, and by 11 her symptoms made regular school attendance extremely difficult.
Despite the challenges, Aneesha continued learning independently and pursued her education through equivalency examinations. In 2023, the State Literacy Mission allowed her to write the Class 7 equivalency exam from home, which she cleared successfully.
Aneesha has also earned recognition for her creative work. She won first prize in the UNARAVU online story competition conducted by the Social Justice Department on World Disability Day 2021. She received the State Disability Award in 2023 in the category of Exemplary Person with a Disability.
The minister said that strict arrangements will ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the examination. A room in her home will be prepared to resemble a standard examination hall. Only Aneesha and the invigilator will be present. The invigilator will collect and submit the completed answer sheets to the Examination Board.
Sivankutty added that the Board Secretary has been instructed to ensure all necessary arrangements for her convenience.
“The government is committed to protecting the education rights of persons with disabilities, and Aneesha’s determination stands as an inspiration to all students,” the minister said.
(Rh/VK/MSM)