Schools have asked for more time and assistance from government
SHIKHA SHARMA | Fri, 28 Oct 2016-07:00am , New Delhi , DNA
All schools in Gurgaon have been directed to create Aadhaar cards for students, or face strict action
The Office of Block Elementary Education Officer, Gurgaon, sent a circular to all the schools in Gurgaon on October 20, stating, "It is regretted that the principals are not taking necessary interest for making the Aadhaar cards of the students studying in their schools. Principals are requested to take necessary steps by October 27, otherwise stringent action will be taken against them from district administration," said a statement by Sushil Kumar Sharma, who is Block Elementary Education Officer.
The schools, however, opposed the diktat seeking more time and assistance from the government to get the registration process going. "Keeping in mind the importance of Aadhaar cards as envisioned by the Prime Minister of India, you are supposed to leave no stone unturned to make it a success," the statement notes.
The statement further said, "The delay on your part not only jeopardise the interest of students community but also ask stringent action from district administration. Therefore you are supposed to leave no stone unturned in making Aadhaar drive a grand success in Gurgaon block."
Speaking to DNA, Jagmohan, the official in-charge of project said, "The programme began last year, and barring a few private schools, most have submitted the information. Certain private schools have taken the issue lightly, and the government has already issued a strict circular to them."
Explaining the rationale behind getting Aadhaar cards for students, the official added, "The idea is to be able to track every student, so nobody gets misplaced. With each student having an identity, it will also be easier to keep track of them, so that fraud related to admissions doesn't happen," Jagmohan added.
Reacting to the circular issued by the administration, Gurgaon principals said that they had no qualms about getting Aadhaar cards made for students or cooperating with the government, but that the government should also understand schools' compulsions.
"We did conduct a drive last year, and we have no problem in cooperating. But things can't be done at short notice. The least the government can do is give us more time. If that is not possible, it should provide some kind of assistance. It shouldn't be just the school's responsibility to get all things done. Our primary job is just to educated children," Principal of DPS Gurgaon Rachna Pandit said.
Last year, schools in Delhi were also instructed to make Aadhaar cards for their students. "We have been conducting drives in Delhi schools for Aadhaar registration, after the government's direction. The idea is to document identities of students, so that they can benefit from scholarships in a more streamlined manner. While all students aren't registered yet, we do have the Aadhaar drive in our schools," says Ameeta Mulla Wattal, ex-Chairman of National Progressive Schools Alliance, a body of top 300 Delhi-NCR schools.
For scholarships
Last year, schools in Delhi were also instructed to make Aadhaar cards for their students. "We have been conducting drives in Delhi schools for Aadhaar registration, after the government's direction. The idea is to document identities of students, so that they can benefit from scholarships in a more streamlined manner. While all students aren't registered yet, we do have the Aadhaar drive in our schools," says Ameeta Mulla Wattal, ex-Chairman of National Progressive Schools Alliance, a body of top 300 Delhi-NCR school
