DESPITE various efforts at national and international levels, the differently-abled persons continue to suffer on account of the decisions taken by the Sindh Education and Literacy Department.

I am a prime example in this regard. I am partially blind, but I have cleared tests conducted for primary school teacher (PST) and junior elementary school teacher (JEST) purely on my own merit. I scored 60 marks in PST test, which makes me eligible for a job in the merit category.

Moreover, I scored 48 marks in JEST test, which makes me eligible for job against the designated quota for the disabled. But, unfortunately, the district selection committee has denied me any of these two teaching jobs, quoting the policy of the Education Department which apparently bars the completely blind from teaching.

The committee has completely neglected the fact that I am partially blind, can read and write, and that is why I had qualified the test on merit. The committee even harassed and questioned me repeatedly as to who had taken the test on my behalf. This is clearly unacceptable.

I have a right to acquire job as per the Constitution, which is being violated by the Education Department. Moreover, the decision by the director concerned is in gross violation of the Sindh Empowerment of Persons with Disability Act, 2018, the Disabled Persons Employment and Rehabilitation Ordinance, 1981, and the United Nations Convention on Right of Persons with Disabilities, to which Pakistan is a signatory. The relevant authorities should take notice so that the visually impaired are not marginalised. The state is responsible for ensuring that I am able to compete with those who are blessed with all the abilities. Besides, if I can qualify the test, then surely I can teach as well.

Khalid Hussain Dahri
Nawabshah

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2022