In the next two months, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) plans to start a statewide campaign to speed up the biometric update of children’s Aadhaar cards via schools. Over 7 crore youngsters whose biometric information has not yet been updated are to be covered by the scheme.

According to Bhuvnesh Kumar, CEO of UIDAI, the agency is now testing the technology and anticipates having it available in 45 to 60 days. The project will be implemented gradually, starting with schools and then moving on to universities for the second set of updates, which are necessary for kids who become 15 years old.

UIDAI guidelines state that after a child turns five, biometric updates are required. Aadhaar is issued to children under five without biometric information. The Aadhaar number may be deactivated if the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) is not finished by the age of seven. Updates between the ages of 5 and 7 are free, however beyond the age of 7, there is a price of Rs 100.

“Aadhaar is essential for providing benefits under a number of government programs.” We want kids to benefit from everything at the appropriate moment. We are attempting to conveniently reach as many youngsters as possible through schools,” Kumar stated.

For children who have reached the age of seven but have not yet updated their biometrics in Aadhaar, UIDAI has emphasized the significance of completing the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU). This is a current Aadhaar requirement, and parents or guardians can update their child’s information at any designated Aadhaar center or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

To encourage these kids to finish the MBU exercise, UIDAI has begun sending SMS messages to the mobile numbers linked to their Aadhaar accounts.

Between the ages of five and seven, a child’s Aadhaar biometrics can be updated for free. A child under five years old registers for Aadhaar by submitting their name, address, date of birth, gender, photo, and supporting documentation. However, according to an official declaration, a child’s fingerprints and iris biometrics are not taken for Aadhaar enrollment if they are younger than five years old because they are not yet grown.

Therefore, when the child turns five, it is mandatory to update his or her fingerprints, iris, and photo in Aadhaar in accordance with current regulations. According to the statement, this is the first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU).