Aadhaar Card Of Parents/Legal Guardian Now Mandatory For Admission Under EWS Category

It has now become mandatory for parents/legal guardian to furnish their Aadhaar Card, while applying online for their child's admissions in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category in private schools in Delhi, according to a Times of India report.

The decision comes after various incidents came to the limelight where applicants got admission allotment in multiple schools because of the altered information furnished during the online application. The step is expected to curb the malpractices adopted by filling multiple applications.

The Directorate of Education (DoE) has made Aadhaar of parents' compulsory to "avoid duplication of applications." The rule will be applicable to both entry-level - nursery to Class I - and Class II onwards.

A recent circular issued by the Directorate of Education on Wednesday in this regard states that the Aadhaar of "parents/guardian shall be mandatory for applying online for admission at entry level under EWS/DG/CWSN (Disadvantaged Group/Children with Special Needs) category or admission from Class 2 onwards under Freeship scheme in private unaided recognized schools (except minority schools)."

In the circular, the DOE stated, "DoE has noticed that multiple applications are being filed are being filed by an applicant to increase the probability of selection in the computerized draw of lots by manipulatin manipulating with address/ name/any other related personal details."

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had ruled that a child's Aadhaar can't be mandatory for admission to private schools under the EWS/disadvantaged group and children with Special Needs Categories.

The DOE clarified that the information collected from the Aadhaar card at the time of registration of the application form will be minimal and personal details like biometric data will be not stored or shared with any other agency.