Major Aadhaar Update: Biometric Details Mandatory for Children After Age 5, Urgency for Age 7 Update

UIDAI has significantly changed regulations concerning a child’s Aadhar card. Now, children who received an Aadhar card before turning five must update their biometrics after turning seven. Failure to do so risks deactivation of the child's Aadhar card 12-digit unique identification number. This is part of a statements issued. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has begun sending SMS alerts to mobile numbers linked with the Aadhaar of children that are now eligible for ‘mandatory update of biometrics’ (MBU). Completion of MBU on schedule is essential "As per the guidelines, the timely completion of MBU poses as an important necessity to uphold the integrity and trustworthiness of biometric data for children," reads the statement. “Also, failure to complete MBU post turning seven may lead to Aadhaar number deactivation as per existing policies.” A UIDAI official further stated that children whose Aadhaar cards are not updated with fingerprints and iris data will encounter challenges in accessing benefits of numerous Aadhaar-linked schemes.For children under five years of age, biometrics are not recorded.Aadhaar enrolment for children under five involves capturing only a photograph. Their biometrics, including fingerprints and iris scans are not recorded. Enrolment also includes verification documents for name, date of birth, gender, and address. As stated, “As per regulations, there is a requirement to record and update the biometrics and photograph of the child which is mandatory when the child turns five years. This is the first prospective compulsory biometrics update.”Benefits and facilities the child accesses through the Aadhaar Card.UIDAI further clarifies that if the child completes mandatory biometric updation between ages 5-7, it is complimentary. However, after turning 7, a fee of Rs 100 will be incurred for biometric update. UIDAI further clarified that Aadhaar linked with biometrics into Aadhar makes uid easier at school admission, entrance exam registration, scholarship applications etc.