UIDAI to start biometric update of children through schools soon

NEW DELHI: The UIDAI is working on a project to start biometric updates of children through schools after two months in a phased manner, a top official of the Aadhaar custodian body said. The Unique Identification Authority of India CEO, Bhuvnesh Kumar told PTI that over 7 crore children have not updated their biometrics for Aadhaar which is mandatory after attaining the age of 5 years.

"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," Kumar said. Timely completion of Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) is an essential requirement for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of biometric data of children. If the MBU is not completed even after 7 years of age, the Aadhaar number may be deactivated, as per the existing rules.

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Rs 100 fee for Aadhaar update after age seven

If the MBU is done between the age of five and seven years, it is free of cost but after seven years of age, there is a prescribed fee of Rs 100 for the update. Aadhaar with updated biometric facilitates ease of living and ensures seamless usage of Aadhaar in availing services such as school admissions, registering for entrance examinations, availing benefits of scholarships, DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) schemes, etc wherever applicable.

"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 said. At present, Aadhaar of new born and children under age of 5 years is done without capturing their biometrics. "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," Kumar said. Under the project, UIDAI will send biometric machines to each district which will be rotated from school to school.