Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to urgently consider granting extra time in examinations to Class 10 and 12 students with Type 1 Diabetes.

Commission Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas directed the CBSE Secretary and the board’s Kerala Regional Director to seriously examine the issue and implement the benefit in a timely manner.

In its order, the Commission said denying extra time to children with Type 1 Diabetes amounts to a violation of their right to equality. It warned that continuing such a practice could also violate the law.

The Kerala government already allows students with Type 1 diabetes appearing for Class 10 and Plus Two examinations an additional 20 minutes per hour. This benefit has recently been extended to candidates appearing for the Vocational Higher Secondary Examination as well.

The order followed a complaint filed by Bushra Shihab, an office-bearer of the Type 1 Diabetes Foundation. The Commission asked her to submit a formal application to the CBSE Secretary.

Once the application is received, the CBSE has been directed to seek expert opinions from medical institutions such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and share the recommendations with the complainant.

The Commission has instructed the CBSE to take a final decision within two months after hearing the complainant through video conferencing. It also stressed that the rights of children to live with dignity must not be violated and asked that the decision be communicated to the Human Rights Commission.