The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is gearing up to initiate biometric updates for children via schools within the next couple of months, according to a leading official, as reported by PTI. This phased rollout aims to streamline the crucial process of updating Aadhaar details for young citizens.
UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar shared with PTI that over 7 crore children still need to update their Aadhaar biometrics, a requirement that becomes mandatory once they reach the age of 5. Kumar stated, “UIDAI is working on a project to start updating the biometrics of children with parental consent through schools. We are at present testing the technology and it should be ready in 45-60 days.”
The Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU), as per UIDAI guidelines, is essential for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of children’s biometric data. Failure to complete this update, even after a child turns seven, could lead to Aadhaar deactivation under current regulations. While the update is free between the ages of 5 and 7, a fee of Rs 100 is applied after the age of 7. An Aadhaar with current biometrics is critical for accessing numerous services, including school admissions, entrance exams, scholarships, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes. “We are planning to extend the same process of going through schools and colleges for a second MBU which is done after children attain the age of 15 years,” Kumar added.
Currently, Aadhaar for newborns and children under 5 is issued without capturing biometric data. “Aadhaar is crucial for delivering benefits under several government schemes. We want children to get all the benefits at the right time. Through schools, we are trying to reach as many children in a convenient manner,” he said.
As part of this initiative, UIDAI will deploy biometric machines to each district. These machines will then be rotated among schools to facilitate the biometric update process.
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