AADHAAR MUST FOR ADMISSION IN SOUTH MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has come out with a circular making A ad ha ar card mandatory for students at the time of admission in schools under its purview.

If a student’s Aadhaar is not available, the child’s guardian will be asked to furnish the same at the earliest to avail benefits under the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme.

“In case it is reported that a student has been denied admission on the pretext of non- availability of Aadhaar card, then the admission in charge or principal of the school concerned will be held responsible for the same. Disciplinary action will be initiated against the principal concerned,” the circular stated.

The department has also asked the deputy directors, additional directors and other senior officials to ensure strict compliance.

The step has been take non the direction of Delhi government’s department of education to all the no dal agencies for issuing such a circular. “Also, there were some media reports regarding school authorities asking parents for submitting Aadhaar card numbers at the time of students’ admission,” said a senior SDMC official.

“Though the civic agency has conducted survey of all schools, a circular has also been issued to all principals for further clarification,” said the official.

Moreover, there is no denying the fact that the Aadhaar card is necessary for students to get various incentives, subsidies and scholarships under the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, said the official.

The Direct Benefit Transfer scheme requires civic agencies to transfer the subsidies for bags, uniforms and scholarships directly to the students’ bank accounts attached with A ad ha ar.

The civic agencies implemented the scheme in 2016 at their schools. So far, accounts of 75% school students have been attached to their Aadhaar numbers. The municipal corporation gives ₹500 annually for school dress, ₹1,000 as subsidy to a girl child belonging to SC/ ST/ minority categories.

“We are organising camps in schools to help students in getting Aadhaar card made. But if the parents still do not do it, then we will not be able to provide any financial assistance for their children ,” said a official from South Delhi Municipal Corporation.