Role of UDISE+ in the Indian Education System

Source: The post role of UDISE+ in the Indian Education System has been created, based on the article “Using children’s personal data legally and securely” published in “The Hindu” on 27th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article discusses India’s vast education system, which includes around 15 lakh schools, 97 lakh teachers, and about 26.5 crore students. It explains the role of the UDISE+ platform in managing and securing student data, ensuring compliance with privacy laws, and the need for clear protocols to protect children’s personal information.

What is UDISE+ and APAAR?

1. UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus): Launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Education, it collects real-time data on school infrastructure, teachers, student enrollment, and performance.

For detailed information on UDISE read this article here

2. APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry): Introduced with the National Education Policy 2020, it provides a unique identifier for students, collecting academic records and personal information like Aadhaar numbers through voluntary consent.

For detailed information on What is APAAR read this article here

What Role Does UDISE+ Play in the Indian Education System?

1. Data Collection and Management: UDISE+ collects real-time information on school infrastructure, teachers, student enrollment, and academic performance.
2. Policy Formulation: This data helps the Ministry of Education create outcome-based policies to enhance education quality.
3. Resource Allocation: By improving resource distribution, UDISE+ ensures that schools receive necessary support.
4. Monitoring Programs: UDISE+ aids in tracking educational programs and trends to optimize their effectiveness.
5. Student Data Integration: Linked with APAAR, it helps manage student admissions and reduce dropout rates.
6. Collaborations: Works with DigiLocker and ed-tech companies to modernize education.

What Legal Standards Apply?

1. Supreme Court’s Three-Part Test: State actions must have a legitimate interest, be necessary and proportionate, and be imposed by law.
2. Right to Privacy: Recognized as a fundamental right in the 2018 Justice K.S. Puttaswamy case.
3. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Requires specific and voluntary consent for data collection and sharing.
4. Data Minimization: Ensures only necessary data is collected.
5. Aadhaar Integration: APAAR and UDISE+ must comply with privacy and security standards.

What are the Operational Challenges?

1. Privacy and Consent: There’s limited guidance on obtaining verifiable parental consent for minors’ data. Sharing children’s data under UDISE+/APAAR may violate the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
2. Data Security: Protecting sensitive student data from theft and cyber breaches is a major concern.
3. Regulatory Updates: The data-sharing policy for school education needs updating to reflect regulatory changes post the DPDP Act, 2023.
4. Identification of Actors: There is a need to identify roles such as data fiduciary, data processor, and data principal for liability purposes.
5. Grievance Redressal: There is no clear mechanism for grievance redressal related to data sharing and collection.
6. Standard Operating Procedures: The absence of technical and legal protocols affects the management of data authenticity and stakeholder obligations.

Question for practice:

Discuss the role of UDISE+ in managing India’s education system and its associated operational challenges.