Students Opt Out of the APAAR ID System Understanding 12-digit unique identifier linked to Aadhaar, designed to centralize academic records under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While the government markets it as voluntary, many schools are treating it as mandatory, especially for board exams. So, can you opt out? Let’s break it down.
APAAR ID Truly Voluntary
Officially, yes. The Ministry of Education has stated that creating an APAAR ID is voluntary. However, in practice, many schools are pressuring parents to Future of Education in India consent, often by implying it’s required for exams or college admissions. This has led to confusion and concern among families.
Real World Challenges with APAAR ID
Board Exam Requirements: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made APAAR ID mandatory for Class 10 and 12 board exams. If a student doesn’t have an APAAR ID, their name won’t appear in the List of Candidates (LOC), potentially barring them from exams
Data Discrepancies: Mismatches between school records and Aadhaar details can cause delays in generating APAAR IDs, leading to administrative challenges
Parental Pressure: Some schools are pressuring parents to consent to APAAR ID creation, even though it’s officially voluntary
Your Right to Opt Out of APAAR ID
Write a Refusal Letter: Draft a simple letter stating you do not consent to the creation of an APAAR ID for your child. Here’s a sample: “I, [Your Name], as the parent/guardian of [Child’s Name], do not consent to the creation of an APAAR ID for my child.”
Submit to School Authorities: Hand this letter to your child’s school principal or administrative office.
Request Acknowledgment: Ask for a receipt or acknowledgment of your refusal for your records.
Tips for Parents Opting Out of APAAR ID
Stay Informed: Keep up with official communications from the Ministry of Education and your child’s school regarding APAAR ID policies.
Document Everything: Always keep copies of any correspondence or forms related to APAAR ID.
Seek Support: If you’re facing undue pressure, consider reaching out to organizations like the Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC) for guidance.
Be Persistent: If your child’s school insists on registering for APAAR despite your refusal, gently remind them of the legal stance on this voluntary system.
You Care About the APAAR ID System
The APAAR ID system has significant implications for data privacy, student rights, and the future of education in India. As the government pushes for digitization
centralized systems could hold sensitive personal information, making it crucial for parents and students to understand their rights.
Legal Protections and Data Privacy Concerns
The APAAR system has raised significant privacy issues, particularly regarding the collection and processing of minors’ data without robust legal safeguards
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 prohibits the processing of children’s data without explicit and informed consent. Still, the APAAR system has faced criticism for lacking transparency and adequate data protection measures
What is an APAAR ID?
An APAAR ID is a 12-digit unique identifier linked to Aadhaar for every student. It is meant to streamline academic records and improve access to education data.
Is it mandatory for students to get an APAAR ID?
No, the system is officially voluntary. However, many schools treat it as a de facto requirement, especially for board exams.
Can I refuse to allow my child to be registered in the APAAR system?
Yes, parents can refuse to give consent for their child’s registration. You just need to submit a refusal letter to your child’s school.
Will my child face consequences if they dont have an APAAR ID?
There may be challenges, particularly with board exams. Some schools or boards require it for registration. However, there have been temporary relaxations in some cases.
How can I protect my child’s data with APAAR?
Ensure that you stay informed about how the data is being used and ask for transparency on data protection measures. If you’re concerned, consider opting out.
Final Words
Opting out of the APAAR ID system is completely within your rights. While it’s being marketed as a voluntary initiative, it’s important for parents and students to be proactive and understand their options. By staying informed, documenting your decisions, and advocating for your child’s privacy, you can navigate the system in a way that aligns with your values.
