Aadhaar Card Not Mandatory for SC/ST Students to Avail Post-Matric Scholarships: Meghalaya High Court

The Meghalaya High Court has restrained the State government from insisting on the production of an Aadhaar card as a precondition for students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes to claim post-matric scholarships or other forms of financial assistance.

The Court clarified that any other valid proof of identity and residence shall suffice for availing such benefits. Referring to Sections 7 and 8 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, 

The Court noted that no individual, particularly a child, can be denied welfare benefits for lack of an Aadhaar number.

[Greneth M. Sangma v Union of India & Ors.]