In Bihar, schools are tasked with maintaining sensitive records of all their students, a job that carries a great deal of responsibility. Usually, only the school principal has access to these important files. This means that if anyone needs any information about the students, the principal is the only authorised person who can grant access, so that the privacy and security of the children is maintained.
However, some recent disturbing developments raise the question: how do cyber cafe owners get access to school records?
The issue: Unauthorised access to student data
Schools in Bihar are currently carrying out the registration process for the 2025 Class 10 exams, an event that requires careful management of student data. During this process, the fee for general category students is Rs 1010, with an additional Rs 130 being charged for the form. Despite the fee structure being transparent, concerns have surfaced about how some unauthorized entities, especially cyber cafe owners, are gaining access to school records.
Cyber ββcafe owners are getting involved in the work of school administration in one way or the other, which is extremely worrying. This raises serious questions about data security of students and the possible misuse of personal and academic information. Schools should ideally be operated as protected areas, where only the principal or designated staff members have the authority to manage and access student data. But the current reality appears to be different.
Registration Fee Discrepancy
Another point of confusion during this 10th exam registration process is the fee structure. While it has been reported that the total fee for the general category is Rs 1010, some people are reporting that Rs 130 extra is being charged for the form. This raises questions about transparency and possible misunderstandings with students and their families. Even though it is mentioned that Rs 1010 will include everything, there is a lack of clarity on the actual payment process, leaving many disappointed.
Role of the District Education Officer (DEO)
One would expect that any concerns related to student data breach or anomalies in the exam registration process could be addressed by the District Education Officer (DEO). However, repeated attempts to contact the DEO have proven futile, with calls getting disconnected, leaving parents and concerned citizens without a point of contact for help or clarification.
Such a lack of response from the authorities further aggravates the issue and makes it difficult to check how student records are ending up in the wrong hands, i.e. cyber cafes.
Call to Action: Protection of Student Data
This situation underlines the urgent need for strict data protection protocols in schools in Bihar. The fact that cyber cafe owners may have access to student records is worrying and must be addressed immediately. Ensuring that only school principals or authorised personnel have access to such sensitive information is crucial to protect the privacy and security of students.
Furthermore, the authorities need to take prompt action to check this unauthorised access and restore trust in the system. The District Education Officer should also be more proactive in resolving complaints and ensuring transparency in processes such as exam registration.
Conclusion
The current scenario in Biharβs education system, where unauthorised individuals may have access to sensitive student records, is worrisome. With the registration process for the 10th exam in 2025 underway and potential fee-related misunderstandings adding to the confusion, the lack of response from educational authorities only adds to the frustration.
For the well-being of students and their families, there needs to be greater accountability and action from both schools and educational authorities. Cyber ββcafes should not get hold of school records under any circumstances. Strict policies and transparent processes must be put in place to protect the privacy of Bihar students.
Note: I am not writing the address of (Principal – Cyber Cafe Owner). For my security reasons. If I record a video for proof, I will be caught.