The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has reiterated its opposition to the implementation of the “one nation, one student ID” program in Nagaland. The scheme is known as the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) in Nagaland. They describe it as a “controversial initiative” intended to establish an Education Ecosystem Registry called ‘EduLocker.’ In a formal representation addressed to the state’s chief secretary, NSF President Medovi Rhi and Secretary of Education Temjentoshi underscored that the introduction of APAAR raises “significant challenges and concerns” that pose an “unprecedented threat” to students’ rights and privacy while burdening educational institutions unnecessarily. Also Read: Assam: Two more cybercrime racket masterminds arrested in Guwahati Although the government has presented this initiative as a means to seamlessly track academic progress and achievements, the NSF has raised several critical concerns, including data security and administrative burden. According to the NSF, obtaining parental consent for APAAR enrollment is insufficient to protect students’ rights and privacy. The department said there had been a misunderstanding of government assurances that data would be shared with relevant government agencies, meaning the risk of the data being misused or compromised had not been eliminated. NSF is also concerned that regional education information websites are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which could compromise student information. Based on these complaints, NSF wishes to conduct a review of the APAAR program before the Department of Education implements the APAAR program. NSF calls on the federal government and the Department of Education to communicate clearly and transparently with all stakeholders, including parents, students, and educational institutions. Emphasizes the importance of ensuring data security and timely resolution of organizational management issues. The organization believes that a collaborative approach is crucial to protect the health of students and maintain the integrity of education in Nagaland. Additionally, they want the government to temporarily suspend the current APAAR program until a full briefing is obtained.
