Students enrolled in madrasas across Uttarakhand will now be monitored through APAAR ID as the education department actively compiles a comprehensive student database. Surjit Gandhi, chairman of the Minority Education Authority, stated that concerns were frequently raised regarding children coming from other states to pursue education in Uttarakhand without authorities knowing their whereabouts or conditions. With the establishment of the Minority Education Authority, the situation regarding these students has become much clearer and more transparent.
Dual Education and Boarding Facilities in Madrasas
A total of 33 madrasas in the state currently offer religious and school education simultaneously. Following the formation of the Minority Education Authority, claims of administrative improvements have been emphasized. In Dehradun, a total of 33 madrasas have come under the purview of the authority, with the majority of these institutions featuring boarding facilities where students reside. An inspection of a registered madrasa in Dehradun's Kishnpur area revealed that most of the children studying there hailed from Bihar.
Low Female Enrollment and Separate Timings
A notable observation from the ground is that not a single girl was found studying at the inspected facility. Investigations indicate that the number of girls in Uttarakhand madrasas is exceptionally low. Female students who arrive to receive religious education follow separate schedules, and both boys and girls are imparted religious teachings in entirely separate settings. To monitor these students effectively, the education department is now generating APAAR IDs.
Understanding APAAR ID and Its Features
APAAR ID stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, introduced under the National Education Policy 2020 and the One Nation, One Student ID initiative. It provides every student with a 12-digit unique digital identifier. Ranging from primary classes to higher education, this identification is linked to DigiLocker and securely houses students' certificates, marksheets, and academic databases. The system tracks academic scores and simplifies the process of obtaining transfer certificates when switching institutions.
Crackdown on Illegal Madrasas and Systemic Shifts
The state government has sealed 19 madrasas operating illegally, while 227 institutions have voluntarily shuttered their premises. However, even among institutions operating under government guidelines, adjusting to the new digital framework is taking time. Modern schools and institutions functioning under the guise of madrasas are also experiencing a transitional phase. Despite these initial adjustments, the uncertainty surrounding children's education is steadily being brought under formal administrative oversight.
