Aadhaar Update: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is soon going to start biometric update of children’s Aadhaar card i.e. Baal Aadhaar through schools . This Aadhaar is made for newborn children without biometric details, which is necessary to update later. UIDAI’s biometric update initiative will be implemented in a phased manner in the next two months. About 7 crore children across the country are expected to benefit from this.
Biometric update is mandatory after the age of five
According to UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) has not been done yet for children who have completed the age of five years. If this update is not done, the reliability of Aadhaar may be affected. In case of not updating after the age of seven, the child’s Aadhaar can also be deactivated.
Aims for comprehensive coverage through schools
Kumar said that this work will be done with the consent of the parents. At present, technical testing is going on and the project is likely to start in the next 45 to 60 days. UIDAI will deploy biometric machines in every district. These will be used in a rotation in schools, so that coverage can be ensured on a wide scale.
Aadhaar update for children between 5 and 7 years is free
This biometric update will be done free of cost between the ages of 5 and 7 years. However, a fee of ₹100 will be applicable after the age of seven. The updated Aadhaar card is necessary for services like school admission, scholarship, registration for entrance exams and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The second update on the age of 15 is also from schools
UIDAI is also working on a plan to implement the second biometric update required at the age of 15 in the future through schools. However, right now UIDAI is focusing on the first biometric update, which may start soon.
Initial Aadhaar is issued without biometrics
Aadhaar is issued to newborns and children below the age of five without biometric information. UIDAI believes that by making this process simple and accessible through schools, children will be able to get all the government benefits on time.
