The Unique Identification Authority of India on Wednesday said schools cannot deny admission, or other facilities, to students for lack of Aadhaar, PTI reported. The UIDAI said such denials were “invalid and not permitted under the law”.

The Aadhaar authority directed schools to coordinate with state education departments, district administrations, local banks and post offices to set up special camps on their premises to enrol children for the biometric-based identity number and update the details of those already enrolled.

“It must be ensured that no children are deprived/denied of their due benefits or rights for want of Aadhaar,” PTI quoted from a circular addressed to chief secretaries of states. “Till Aadhaar number is assigned or biometrics are updated for such students all facilities should be extended through alternate means of identification.”