Aadhaar Update: UIDAI is going to start the biometric update of children’s Aadhaar through schools. This scheme will cover about 7 crore children. Know why it is necessary to update the Aadhaar of children and will there be a fee for this?
Aadhaar Update: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is soon going to start the biometric update of children’s Aadhaar card i.e. Baal Aadhaar through schools. This Aadhaar is made without biometric details of newborn children, which is necessary to update later. UIDAI’s biometric update initiative will be implemented in a phased manner in the next two months. It is expected to benefit about 7 crore children across the country.
Biometric update mandatory after the age of five
According to UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children who have completed five years of age has not been done yet. 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.
Target of 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 each district. These will be used by rotating 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. At the same time, a fee of ₹ 100 will be applicable after the age of seven. Updated Aadhaar card is necessary for services like school admission, scholarship, registration of entrance exams and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Second update at the age of 15 is also from schools
UIDAI is working on a plan to implement the second biometric update required at the age of 15 in the future through schools. However, UIDAI’s focus is currently on the first biometric update, which can start soon.
Initial Aadhaar is issued without biometrics
Aadhaar is issued to newborns and children below five years of age 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.