india

Updated: Jun 21, 2016 16:44 IST

All state governments have been asked to link Aadhaar with caste and domicile certificates to be issued to school students, as part of a first-of-its-kind initiative by the Centre.

The states have been told to ensure that such certificates are issued within 60 days time to the students when they are studying in Class V or VIII.

The development assumes significance as there have been complaints of delay in grant of scholarship to students belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes. Besides, people have often complained of harassment allegedly by government officials in getting caste and domicile certificates issued.

“The state government may also try to get the information of students fed into the meta data to be made online and may link it to Aadhaar enabled data, if feasible.

“Sincere efforts be made to issue these certificates along with Aadhaar number,” reads Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) released by Personnel Ministry on issuance of caste and certificates in schools.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues Aadhaar -- a 12-digit number which acts as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in the country.