Aadhaar for Children at Risk of Deactivation Over Mandatory Biometric Update
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has warned that children's Aadhaar numbers may be deactivated if their biometrics are not updated. Children who obtained Aadhaar before age five must complete a Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) of their fingerprints and iris scans after turning five, and again at age 15. The UIDAI stated that failure to complete the MBU after a child turns seven could lead to deactivation, potentially disrupting access to various Aadhaar-linked schemes and services.
Unpacked:
Parents must provide the child's birth certificate or school certificate, the parent's Aadhaar card or another valid government ID, the parent's address proof, and a passport-sized photograph of the child when visiting an Aadhaar enrolment centre for biometric updates.
Updating a child’s Aadhaar biometrics is essential because it ensures the accuracy and reliability of the child’s data, and it is required for access to services like school admissions, scholarships, entrance exams, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes. Without a valid update, these services may be disrupted.
The biometric update for children is free if done between ages five and seven. After the child turns seven, a nominal fee of ₹100 applies for the update.
UIDAI sends SMS alerts to the registered mobile numbers linked with the child's Aadhaar account, reminding parents or guardians of the requirement to complete the biometric update after the child turns five and again after turning seven.