Discover why the APAAR ID is not required and the concerns raised by education activists and parents, regarding data privacy and children’s rights to education. Explore the implications of linking APAAR with Aadhar.
One of the main reasons behind the reluctance to make APAAR ID (Aadhaar-Permanent Account Number for Academic Records) is the lack of trust in data security. Niranjanaradhya VP, an education activist from Karnataka, pointed out that linking APAAR with AADHAR, the unique identification system in India, could lead to potential privacy breaches. He highlighted that the overall laws of confidentiality in the country do not provide enough assurance that the data collected through APAAR will be safe and secure.
While it was still difficult for the government to guarantee that all of the nation’s schools have the basic amenities.
Niranjanaradhya VP stated that the goal of this project is to distract parents and children from the basic issue of poor quality public education.
The data is unlikely to stay safe when considering the nation’s general concept and confidentiality regulations. Linking APAAR to AADHAR will have a direct impact on making the latter mandatory. It will violate the Supreme Court’s Aadhar decision as well as the Right to Education Act, which states that no kid shall be refused access to education and other benefits,” he stated.
Why is APAAR ID not required? Because the risk of a data breach is still present.
The primary reason for not requiring an APAAR ID is that the risk of a data breach remains a significant concern. Even with the implementation of various security measures, no system can be entirely immune to vulnerabilities. Data breaches can occur due to a variety of factors, including cyberattacks, human error, or system malfunctions.
The discussion surrounding the APAAR ID and its necessity in the education sector has raised significant concerns among education activists and parents, particularly regarding data privacy and children’s rights to education. Here’s an expanded exploration of these issues:
1. Understanding the APAAR ID
The APAAR ID is intended to streamline the process of tracking students’ academic records and ensuring that educational resources are allocated efficiently. However, many education activists argue that the implementation of such an identification system is not necessary for several reasons:
- Existing Systems: Many educational institutions already have their own systems for tracking student performance and attendance. The introduction of APAAR may lead to redundancy and unnecessary bureaucratic complexity.
- Administrative Burden: The requirement for an additional ID could place an administrative burden on schools, particularly in under-resourced areas where staff may already be stretched thin.
2. Data Privacy Concerns
One of the primary worries expressed by education activists is the potential for data privacy violations associated with the APAAR ID:
- Sensitive Information: The APAAR ID could potentially link sensitive personal information about students, including their academic performance, health records, and family background. This raises concerns about who has access to this data and how it might be used.
- Data Breaches: With the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks, there is a risk that the data collected through the APAAR ID could be compromised, leading to identity theft or misuse of personal information.
- Surveillance: The integration of APAAR with existing databases could lead to a surveillance-like environment where students are constantly monitored, infringing on their right to privacy.
3. Children’s Rights to Education
Education activists emphasize that the introduction of the APAAR ID could infringe upon children’s rights to education in several ways:
- Access to Education: If the APAAR ID becomes a prerequisite for accessing educational resources or services, it could create barriers for marginalized groups who may not have the necessary documentation or who may be hesitant to share personal information.
- Discrimination: There is a risk that the data collected could be used to discriminate against certain groups of students, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds or minority communities.
- Stigmatization: The association of students with a particular ID could lead to stigmatization, especially if the data is used to label or categorize students based on their academic performance or other metrics.
While accountability in education is essential, experts believe that it should not come at the cost of compromising students’ privacy and rights. Striking a balance between holding schools accountable for performance and safeguarding students’ data privacy is crucial. Making APAAR ID optional instead of mandatory can help maintain this delicate balance and ensure that both accountability and privacy are prioritized.
Is APAAR Mandatory?
- Visit the Ministry of Education’s official website at apaar.education.gov.in
- Select the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
- Choose “Resources”
- Click on “Important Information”
- Navigate to and read page 8.
APAAR is not mandatory
According to the Ministry of Education’s official website, APAAR is not mandatory for all schools. The framework is voluntary, so both students and institutions can decide if they want to take part in it. This means that they have the choice to go through this process or not.
APAAR ID Exemption, Privacy Concerns, and the AADHAR Connection in Education
Letter to Schools – Regarding APAAR Refusal
This letter has been drafted by Advocate Sahil Goyal and the Awaken India Movement (AIM) Team. It raises concerns about data privacy and consent in relation to initiatives like APAAR, Digilocker, AADHAR, and the Academic Bank of Credits. The letter highlights a decision to opt out of these programs due to possible privacy risks and calls on the educational institution to honor these preferences and take suitable measures.
Ref: https://awakenindiamovement.com/letter-to-schools-apaar
APAAR ID URGENT Before signing the government paper of school or college, understand the law WATCH BEFORE SIGNING
Source: Ministry of Education Government of India – Image, JISA – Image
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