The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board passed a government resolution on Wednesday, making the Aadhaar card compulsory for Class 10 and 12 students appearing for their final exams. Officials said students who do not have a Unique Identification Number will not be allowed to fill up their board examination forms, reported the Times of India.

State board examination secretary RI Patel said, “This will also apply to students submitting examination forms in September this year. As 80% of students already have Adhaar cards, it will only be the remaining 20% who have to get it made.” The board has also asked schools to hold camps for students who do not have Aadhaar cards.

However, the rule is only for state board students, not those private and open-board candidates.

According to Patel, the step has been introduced to facilitate scholarships. However, Deputy Chairperson RR Thakkar believes this will help create a transparent and authentic database and promote the Centre's Aadhaar Card scheme, reported The Indian Express.

Rajya Sabha adjourned over Aadhaar card issue

Meanwhile, the Opposition on Thursday disrupted Rajya Sabha proceedings and forced adjournment to protest against making the Aadhaar card mandatory for those who want to avail of government benefits such as subsidised LPG, ration supplies and pensions.

Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu said the government will take note of the concerns and the Aadhaar card will only be made mandatory after the entire population gets it. “It [Aadhaar card] is not compulsory. If necessary, necessary instructions will be issued," The Hindu quoted him as saying.