The Meghalaya High Court has allowed SC/ST students to use alternative identification documents when applying for scholarships. This decision brings major relief to students living in rural and tribal areas who often face difficulties in getting Aadhaar cards.
The court responded to a PIL filed by a Shillong-based education rights group. The petition revealed that many tribal students couldn’t apply for government scholarships due to the Aadhaar-only rule.
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Court acknowledges unique challenges in Meghalaya
A division bench of Chief Justice S. Vaidyanathan and Justice W. Diengdoh led the verdict. They noted that Meghalaya’s remote regions and poor connectivity had delayed Aadhaar enrolment for thousands of students.
The bench stated that insisting on Aadhaar as the only valid ID limits access to education. They ruled that alternative IDs must be accepted, especially in a state with a majority tribal population.
Now, students can submit school ID cards, voter ID cards, birth certificates, or tribal certificates. These will serve as valid identification until they receive their Aadhaar cards.
Thousands of students to benefit
Over 15,000 SC/ST students across Meghalaya can now apply for scholarships without Aadhaar. These scholarships, funded by the central government, help students from poor backgrounds complete their education.
Many students were earlier denied aid because their documents didn’t meet Aadhaar requirements. Schools and NGOs had raised concerns over such mass rejections. The new order solves this issue by allowing alternate documents.
A teacher in West Khasi Hills said, “Our students travel long distances to reach school. Many don’t have Aadhaar due to lack of access. This verdict is a huge relief.”
Government responds quickly
The Meghalaya government has assured speedy implementation of the order. Chief Secretary D. P. Wahlang said they will issue updated guidelines to all schools and scholarship departments.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is also expected to revise rules soon. Officials said the new system will be ready before the next academic year.
A senior officer in the education department added, “We welcome this judgment. It respects ground realities and ensures no student is left out.”
Activists praise the ruling
Student bodies and NGOs have praised the High Court for the move. The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) called it a step towards justice. “We thank the court for understanding our people’s needs. No student should miss out due to lack of one document,” a KSU member said.
Several NGOs also supported the PIL. They had pointed out that many students lacked digital access or transportation needed for Aadhaar registration. This problem is especially common in Garo and Jaintia Hills.
Orders to revise online scholarship systems
The court also asked all scholarship departments to update their online systems. These platforms must now allow alternative documents for verification.
The departments have three months to update their rules and software. Officials who deny scholarships to eligible students with proper alternative documents may face disciplinary action.
A legal advisor in Shillong said the judgment could serve as a model for other northeastern states. “The court’s stand reflects India’s constitutional values. It defends equal access to education,” he explained.
A path toward inclusive education
This ruling not only restores scholarship access but also shows respect for tribal communities. By easing the document burden, the court ensures more students can finish their education.
While Aadhaar remains useful for tracking beneficiaries, it should not become a barrier. The judgment reminds both state and central governments to act with flexibility and empathy.
With the new rules in place, Meghalaya hopes to see higher scholarship applications and fewer rejections. For many students, it could mean the difference between staying in school and dropping out.
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