Don’t mention Aadhaar number on degree certificates: UGC

Last year, the commission had directed all universities to include students’ photos and Aadhaar numbers on the degrees and certificates being awarded.

“Printing of Aadhaar number on degree certificate of a resident would be accessible to multiple people, thereby breaching the security and confidentiality of Aadhar numbers. It would be in violation of the Aadhar (targeted delivery of financial and other subsides benefits and services) Act and regulation framed there under,” UGC said in its circular dated September 4.

Under the present regulations, Aadhaar data should not be published, displayed or posted publicly, and also provides for penalties for such offences. 

Among the identification mechanisms it had suggested in 2017, including Aadhaar number, photographs and other details, all except Aadhaar number would remain, it added.

Stating that Aadhaar Act prohibited publishing and displaying the unique number, the commission urged universities and their affiliated colleges to take immediate steps to comply with the regulations under the act.

Quoting the act, the noted that whoever attempted to impersonate another person – dead or alive, real or imaginary – by providing any false demographic information or biometric information, faced imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with a fine which may extend to Rs 10,000 or both.