The Indian government agency, Unique Identification Authority (UIDAI) responsible for upkeep of Aadhaar,t old the schools on Wednesday not deny admission to the children if they do not have Aadhaar cards, and it is “illegal” to do so under the law.
UIDAI, while adopting a strict stance on non-enrollment of children by some schools, due to lack of Aadhhar, said that it should be ensured that due to the lack of Aadhaar Card, no child should be deprived of the benefits and rights.
This move of authorization is likely to provide relief to those parents and students who are affected by the emphasis by schools on the Aadhaar card of the student during admission.
UIDAI stressed that the children who have not been issued Aadhaar card or whose biometric has not been updated, it will be the responsibility of the schools to make necessary arrangements for such students under the basic rules.
UIDAI encouraged the schools to work together with the local banks, post offices, state education departments and the district administration to create a special card for creating and updating the Aadhaar card of students in their premises.
UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said in a statement that it is the responsibility of the schools to organize special camps with local banks, post offices, state education department and district administration to facilitate the whole process.
In a circular addressed to the Chief Secretaries of the States, UIDAI said that such cases have been reported in their information where some schools are refusing to enroll if they do not have the Aadhaar. This is illegal to do so and is not allowed to do this under the law.
Authorities instructed the schools to ensure that no child can be deprived of admission and other facilities due to lack of Aadhaar.