UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has made a big change in the rules related to the Aadhaar card of children. Now it has been made mandatory that children whose Aadhar card was made at the age of less than 5 years, will have to get their biometrics (fingerprints and iris) updated mandatorily after crossing the age of 7 years.
If this is not done, then the Aadhar card with a 12-digit unique identification number of the child can be deactivated. This information has been given in an official statement. UIDAI has also started sending SMS to the mobile numbers registered in the Aadhaar of children to complete the process of ‘Mandatory Biometric Update’ (MBU).
Completing MBU on time is mandatory
According to the statement, “Completing MBU (Mandatory Biometric Update) on time is a necessary condition to maintain the accuracy and reliability of children’s biometric data.” If the MBU is not completed even after the age of 7, the Aadhaar number may be deactivated as per the existing rules.
A UIDAI official said that if the fingerprints and iris (pupil) details are not updated in the Aadhaar card of children, then the children may face problems in availing various Aadhaar-related schemes. This may include government scholarships, school admission, or other subsidy schemes.
Why are the biometrics of children below 5 years of age not taken
Fingerprints and iris biometrics of children below 5 years of age are not taken for Aadhaar enrollment. Aadhaar enrollment of a child below 5 years of age is done only with his photograph, name, date of birth, gender, address, and identity proof document.
First mandatory update:- According to the statement, “As per the current rules, when a child turns five years old, it is mandatory to update his/her Aadhaar details of fingerprints, iris, and photograph. This is the first occasion to mandatorily update biometrics.”
Second mandatory update:- And now, after crossing the age of 7 years, it has been made mandatory to update these biometrics again so that the accuracy and reliability of the data are maintained.
This process ensures that, along with the physical development of the child, the accuracy of his/her biometric data is also maintained, as the biometrics of young children are not permanent.
Children get many facilities from the Aadhaar card
The Aadhaar card has become a gateway to many important services and benefits for children today. If the child gets the mandatory biometrics updated between the ages of 5 and 7 years, then it is free. But, a fee of ₹100 is charged for updating biometrics after the age of 7 years.
Makes life easier
UIDAI said that an Aadhaar card made with updated biometrics makes the child’s life easier and ensures seamless use of Aadhaar in availing services like school admission, registration for entrance exams, scholarships, etc. If the biometrics are not updated, the child may face great difficulty in availing these facilities or may even be denied them.