Near impossible for blind students to find exam writers

Ludhiana: We are living in an era where distances have shrunk, and we can contact another person in another part of the world and talk to him or her as if we were sitting in their living rooms. But even in this age, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to get another person to do something exclusively for you. And for the visually impaired persons, it becomes even more difficult.Right now, while avenues are opening up for blind persons, it is still very difficult for them to get examination writers – people who write exams for them based on what they say – even though most of these writers are paid.
One blind student, Suraj Tiwari (19), states: “Writers are persons who go with us to write an examination. The writer reads out the question to the blind student, and then we speak out our answers for the writer to write in the examination sheets. However, I have been facing a lot of problems in finding a writer. Recently, I appeared for the exams of CBSE Class XII examination, in which TOI too helped me find a writer, but now again, I am in need of a writer. Otherwise, how will I give my entrance exams for BA, B.Ed in July first or second week? I am looking for a writer who can go with me to Chandigarh for the exam.”
Suraj adds: “I will pay all the expenses of that person to travel from Ludhiana, or any other place wherever he or she is. I will also pay for their food and stay, plus for their writing or any other services they extend to me. I will pay for everything as I can't take any chances with my future. I feel really bad at such times when I’m unable to find a writer. I understand I am disabled and need help, but I feel bad because our government is not doing anything for me or people like me. There are thousands of people like me who want to study and fulfil their dreams of doing something, but in the end, half of the courage and hope is lost. I really hope something is done for our community.”
Gurpreet Kaur, another blind person, states: “I scored 77% in Class XII (Arts) in Punjab Board. In today’s world, I am unable to find a writer. It is really urgent for me to find a writer for my BA, B.Ed entrance exams which are in July. I was waiting for these exams and preparing for them with full potential and hard work, but I feel very low because no writer is available.”
She added: “I feel the government should look into this issue. Whenever elections come close, the political leaders are busy with so many things, and they hardly bother about our issues, but when the elections are over, they could not care less about us. For them, many other things are more important. Our issues are not a high priority for them. I suggest that every state should have ‘writer banks’ for blind students who can help the blind appear for their exams. I have some dreams. So, I hope I will find a writer for myself and score good marks in the entrance exam.”