New Delhi, September 3, 2023 – In a significant move, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a directive to all universities across India, prohibiting the printing of Aadhaar numbers on degrees and provisional certificates. This decision by the higher education regulatory body comes in response to concerns raised regarding the potential misuse of Aadhaar information and its implications for student privacy.
Upholding Privacy and Compliance
The UGC’s directive is grounded in the principles of safeguarding personal data and complying with established regulations. Amid reports of certain state governments contemplating the inclusion of complete Aadhaar numbers on provisional certificates and degrees, the UGC’s intervention aims to prevent the unintended consequences that could arise from such a practice.
Manoj Joshi, Secretary of UGC, highlighted the importance of adhering to regulations set forth in the Aadhaar (Sharing of Information) Regulations, 2016. According to sub-regulation (3) of regulation 6, entities possessing Aadhaar numbers are prohibited from publicly disclosing databases or records containing these numbers, unless appropriate measures such as redaction or blacking out are undertaken.
Clearing the Confusion
Joshi clarified that as per the current regulations, the inclusion of Aadhaar numbers on provisional certificates and degrees is not permissible. The directive seeks to reinforce compliance with the rules and guidelines established by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and underscores the responsibility of higher education institutions to uphold the privacy and data security of students.
Key Highlights:
- UGC’s Stand: The University Grants Commission has taken a firm stand against the inclusion of Aadhaar numbers on degrees and provisional certificates issued by universities.
- Privacy First: The directive aligns with the priority of safeguarding student privacy and preventing potential misuse of sensitive information.
- Regulatory Compliance: The UGC emphasizes the necessity of adhering to the Aadhaar (Sharing of Information) Regulations, 2016, and following the guidelines set by UIDAI.
Implications for Recruitment and Admissions
The directive also has implications for the subsequent use of certificates during recruitment processes or admissions. By refraining from printing complete Aadhaar numbers on certificates, universities will help ensure that the verification process remains secure and free from potential breaches of privacy.
The Way Forward
As universities across India receive the UGC’s directive, it becomes paramount for them to revisit their practices related to printing student information on certificates. Striking a balance between convenience and data security is essential, and institutions are expected to adopt alternative methods of verification that do not compromise student privacy.