Similar to Aadhaar becoming an identity proof for people, the government is now introducing APAAR card that will serve as a unique ID for school and college students across India. The Education Ministry has asked states to initiate the enrollment process and obtain parental consent.
What is APAAR?
APAAR or Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry is an education ecosystem registry or ‘EdulLocker’ that will provide a 12-digit unique code to every student right from pre-primary to higher education. It will be like the Aadhaar card with the student’s unique ID printed on it.
In early May this year, the head of NETF (National Educational Technology Forum) Dr Anil Sahasrabudhe had spoken about creating such a common system to integrate the entire education framework. NETF is an autonomous body set up under NEP 2020.
Based on Aadhaar Data
The data from Aadhaar ID will form basis for the APAAR ID. It will collate all student-related information at one place. Parental consent will be needed for this ID. The data will remain confidential and shared only with government agencies if and when required.
How Will Students Benefit?
APAAR or EduLocker will be a unique ID number to track students’ education journey and achievements. Their exam results, accomplishments, olympiad rankings or skill trainings will be recorded here.
Plus, students transferring between schools will face less hassles getting admission in new institutions anywhere in India. On turning 18, their names can be auto-included in the voter ID list. APAAR ID will provide students with a credit score that can aid higher education and job prospects.
Portable Digital Repository
APAAR is intended as a portable digital repository of a student’s learning credentials that can be accessed anytime from anywhere in the country. It will do away with maintenance of manual records.
Enabling Credit Transfer & Migration
The unique ID is expected to enable seamless credit transfer and migration between education institutions. It will assist policy making via tracking of learning outcomes.
Privacy Concerns
However, the collection of extensive personal data of minors without explicit consent has raised some privacy concerns that need to be addressed. Data security is vital to maintaining confidentiality.
Overall, APAAR ID promises ease of access to a student’s credentials across educational levels and mobility between schools. But safeguarding privacy should be the foremost priority in its design and use.
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