All State governments are asked to link Aadhaar with caste and domicile certificates to be issued to school students. It is linked 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 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 the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Besides, people have often complained of harassment allegedly by government officials in getting caste and domicile certificates issued.

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. The main objective of issuance of caste or tribe certificate is to facilitate access of bona-fide candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to the reserved posts and services under the State or Central governments and secure admission in educational institutions and get other facilities.

The responsibility for issuance of residency and caste certificates rests with the States and Union territories. To avoid difficulties faced by SC and ST students, it has been proposed that ‘caste or tribe certificate’ and also the domicile certificate may be issued to such students and only a residence certificate may be issued to students other than SC or ST all over the country, while they are studying in Class V or VIII, as part of an annual exercise. The responsibility of collecting the documents from the students will be of school head or principal.