Despite Supreme Court ruling, Goregaon school demands Aadhaar card copy

Despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that the Aadhaar card should not be made compulsory for public services, a Goregaon-based school has asked parents applying for their kids' admission to standard I to submit the Unique Identification (UID) number of their ward, as well as a copy of the Aadhaar card.

The Gokuldham High School and Junior College has kicked off the admission process for in-house students for standard I for parents were given time from April 2 to 5 to apply for admission online. The parents were informed that their documents will be verified and fee will be collected from April 7 to 9. Parents have been asked to fill up the UID number of their ward while filing the details online. They have been also asked to carry the follwing documents when called for orientation: Birth certificate, pre-primary school leaving certificate as well as a copy of the Aadhaar card.

Meena Kothari, CEO of the Goenka & Associates Educational Trust, which runs this school, said, "I am not a part of the admission procedure. I will not be able to answer your question because I only look after the counselling section."

Despite several attempts, dna was unable to reach the school's principal. Officials of the trust office too remained unavailable for comment.

Kamayani Mahabal, a human rights activist, said, "This is illegal, the Supreme Court has clearly stated that denying civil rights and social welfare benefits to citizens for not having Aadhaar card is unacceptable, and action will be taken if they are made mandatory. It has asked the government to withdraw all orders making Aadhaar mandatory for availing services. The school can be sued and if they deny any admission to any child who does not have Aadhaar, they should be taken to court."

Shyam Sonar, a member of the Mumbai Shikshan Companikaran Virodhi Abhiyan, said, "The school should have not asked for the Aadhaar card. If they deny the admission to any child for not having Aadhaar card, this will be a contempt of the Supreme Court order and also the RTE Act."

Swati Popat Vats, President of Early Childhood Association, said, "The Aadhaar card is not necessary. The school can ask for other supporting documents like birth certificate or residence proof."