Prime Highlights
- UIDAI to initiate Aadhaar biometric updates of children through schools within the next two months.
- Scheme will update tens of millions of children who missed their mandatory biometric update.
Key Fact
- More than 7 crore children still need to undergo the first biometric Aadhaar update.
- Free up to age 5-7; thereafter, ₹100.
Key Background
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will begin biometric updation of Aadhaar among children in India through schools. The scheme will be rolled out in pilot mode within the next 45 to 60 days. Updation will be done in schools at school campuses in the form of mobile biometric kits, making it easy for children and parents.
As per UIDAI guidelines, children between the age group zero to five years are enrolled for Aadhaar without taking their biometrics. But when they attain the age of five, their Aadhaar needs to be updated with fingerprints, iris scan, and a fresh photograph. All this process is referred to as the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU). Parents refresh this in advance prior to the child reaching the age of seven years by submitting a fee of ₹100 and the danger of deactivation of Aadhaar.
In this, UIDAI will be working with district administrations as well as school administration. Consent of parents will be obtained before biometric data is recorded. It will minimize the number of children who are not availing services and schemes associated with Aadhaar on account of incomplete biometric data.
UIDAI will also follow the same pattern in availing the second biometric update when one attains the age of 15 years. In the longer term, the initiative is expected to facilitate convenient access to school admission, scholarship levels, exam registrations and welfare schemes. With its school extension, UIDAI seeks to facilitate becoming biometric compliant and avoid the inconvenience of visiting Aadhaar Seva Kendras, particularly by rural and urban poor households.
This school-based update effort is indicative of the directions in which UIDAI is heading, to enhance Aadhaar integrity, so that all children have up-to-date records, and enable effective welfare delivery through digital identities.
