Sambalpur: An 18-year-old orphaned student of Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) on Thursday approached Odisha State Human Rights Commission (OHRC) member Justice Shatrughna Pujahari, alleging that discrepancies in his identity documents have deprived him of scholarships, disability benefits and other govt entitlements.Karan Ekka, a Plus III student at GMU, submitted a written complaint to the commission, seeking intervention to resolve discrepancies between his Aadhaar card and educational records. “Justice Pujahari heard my grievance in detail and assured me that the matter would be examined and appropriate assistance provided,” Ekka said.What began as a clerical discrepancy in Karan’s childhood has turned into a major hurdle in his education and livelihood. Karan grew up in various childcare institutions.According to Karan, while he was in Rourkela Shishubhavan, his Aadhaar card was issued. Since details of his biological parents were unavailable, the name of the then superintendent, P K Senapati, was entered in the father’s name column.But while registering for matriculation exam years later, the names of his parents were recorded as Muna Ekka and Kan Ekka, allegedly without his knowledge. The mismatch subsequently reflected in his academic records, creating a conflict with his Aadhaar details.Karan said he has been unable to access scholarships he is otherwise eligible for, while benefits meant for persons with disabilities have also remained out of reach despite his hearing impairment.After turning 18 earlier this year, he tried to rectify the records on his own by visiting an Aadhaar enrolment centre. There, he was reportedly asked to furnish a residential certificate, a requirement which was difficult to meet given that he has never had a permanent address.
