Context:

• This article is based on an Editorial “Schools asked to take parents’ consent for students’ new APAAR card” which was published in the Indian Express. Recently, the Union Education Ministry has directed states to begin implementing the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR), also known as “One Nation, one student ID.” 

What is One Nation One Student ID Registration Scheme?

• The Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) or One Nation One Student ID registration scheme is a system initiated by the Ministry of Education. 
• It assigns a unique identification number to students using their Aadhaar number with parental consent. 
• Aim: To streamline the admission process when students transfer between educational institutions nationwide.
• Additionally, teachers are required to update students’ blood group, height, and weight in the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) database. 
• This system, known as EduLocker, enables students to digitally track their academic progress and co-curricular achievements.

Concerns with India’s One Nation One Student ID Scheme?

• Data Security: The ongoing concerns about Aadhaar’s data security, and the numerous instances of data breaches, many people have raised concerns about the One Nation One Student ID registration process.
• The Administrative Burden on Schools: Schools have been asked to create awareness about APAAR ID among parents and to inform them about its uses before taking their consent.
• Effect on Academics: Schools just completed work of students’ AADHAAR Card update on UDISE. Now, this new ID card carrying updates on each student’s height, weight and blood-group would leave teachers’ no time to focus on academics.
• Unrest among Teachers: The list of non-academic tasks given to teachers keeps increasing while the number of teachers remains inadequate has led to unrest among teachers. 

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Conclusion

This APAAR or One Nation One Student ID initiative follows the government’s formation of a committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, to assess the feasibility of ‘One Nation, One Election’ in India.  To achieve success in this project, it is a must to resolve arising and associated issues. Governments need to assure the public about data safety and need to work more on updation of security checks and technologies.