Parents protest new Aadhaar norm of CBSE

BHUBANESWAR: Parents of children studying in CBSE-affiliated schools across the State have protested the Board’s decision to use Aadhaar numbers for board exam registration of Class 9 and 11 students from the current academic year.

Under the aegis of Odisha Abhibhabak Mahasangh, an outfit of parents of school students, the parents alleged that the new norm of CBSE is against the Supreme Court directive on Aadhaar and Right to Education  (RTE) Act. The Board in a circular released on September 26 made Aadhaar number compulsory for registration for Board examinations. “Wherever Aadhaar number is not available; Aadhaar enrolment number can be provided’, the circular read. Apparently, Aadhaar registration has to be completed by the students by October 31 failing which, they will be debarred from appearing for their examinations.

After staging a protest at the CBSE regional office here, they submitted a memorandum to the Regional Officer on Tuesday demanding rolling back of the new rule. Stating that this would not only mean additional workload on the students who are preparing for the Boards now but also lead to harassment of parents.

Members of the Mahasangh alleged that the Supreme Court in its recent directive had made it clear that Aadhaar number or enrolment is not necessary for availing benefits under any Government benefit, including education. They alleged that after receiving the CBSE circular, school authorities have already started demanding Aadhaar cards from students.

Demanding that the notification of compulsory Aadhaar registration for Class 9 and 11 students be immediately withdrawn, the agitators also sent a copy of the memorandum to the Chairman of CBSE, New Delhi.