DU students database up for sale

Teachers think information may be leaked from varsity

 A service and solution firm is claiming to sell Delhi University’s student database for Rs 10,000 per student. The information includes students’ names, mobile numbers and stream. The firm operating since 2009 further claims to have a database of 1.5 lakh students who graduated in 2012.

A message circulating among teachers said: “DU’s validated students’ database 1.5 lakh in Rs 10,000.” It further gave two contact numbers for further information.

After calling on the given number, Puran Gupta, member of the firm First Step Services and Solutions said although he has database information of undergraduate students of DU, if required his firm can easily get database information for postgraduate students also.

“I will mail you the soft copy of the database of whichever student you want. The money can be transferred to my account. The information are usually picked up by private B schools to contact students and brief and invite them about courses after graduation,” said Gupta adding that no sale yet has been made.

He further confirmed that the information gained is through legal methods.
The teaching community is questioning the privacy of students and speculating that if information is being leaked by the varsity.

“Such information cannot be leaked. It is a question of students’ privacy,” said Rajesh Jha, professor of Political Science.

Another teacher said: “There is a possibility of hacking or somebody leaking the information. There should be a probe into this,” said another professor of Ramjas College.

The Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW), J M Khurana said the varsity does not have any information about such an activity neither have they hired any firm. “The University does not get database of all the students. Individual colleges maintain such information. The varsity gets information of only third year students who apply for placements which is a small number,” he said.

Principals of several colleges also denied having any information regarding the sale of database.