'School chale hum': Aadhar no more required for admissions in Medchal Malkajgiri

Hyderabad: In a big win for the underprivileged students of the Medchal Malkajgiri district, District Educational Officer (DEO) has directed all the government schools to allow admissions for children without Aadhar cards.

"It has been brought to my notice that a few headmasters are rejecting admissions for not having Aadhar. As per the rules, we have to ensure admission without Aadhar. Hence all the Mandal Educational Officers (MEOS) and Head Masters of all primary, upper primary, and high schools are hereby informed once again to take admissions without Aadhar," read the order.

Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act of 2009 states: "No child shall be denied admission in a school for lack of age proof."

In many of the urban slums in Medchal Malkajgiri district, parents after failing to take admission for their children in the nearby government schools (due to lack of documents including Aadhar), end up as daily wage laborers at construction sites, brick factories, etc.

A representation was given by Hima Bindu, Manjula, and Sunil, supported by the organization Child Rights and You (CRY) on October 12. The DEO's direction comes following this representation letter.

However, Hima said this is just the beginning. "The actual success will be measured only after Aadhar enrolment drives are organized at schools and Anganwadis. Second when migrant children who have their Aadhars made in other states also get admission. In most cases, they are denied admission because the student info portal say 'no records found' . Thirdly when 240+ children in CRY's operational area (five urban slums of Jawaharnagar) get their Aadhar cards. They do not have one so far," she said.