The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is set to roll out a school-based initiative to update children's Aadhaar biometrics in a phased manner over the next two months.
This effort aims to cover more than 7 crore children who have yet to complete their Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU), a requirement once a child turns five.
According to UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, the authority is currently testing the technology that will enable this process. “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,” he told PTI.
Biometric updates are essential for keeping Aadhaar records accurate and functional. As per UIDAI rules, failure to complete the biometric update even after turning seven could lead to the deactivation of a child’s Aadhaar number. The MBU is free if completed between the ages of five and seven. After that, a charge of ₹100 is levied.
An updated Aadhaar is increasingly critical for children to access key services such as school admissions, scholarship applications, entrance exams, and government welfare schemes through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Highlighting future plans, Kumar added, “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.”
Currently, Aadhaar is issued to infants and children under five without biometric data. To address this gap, UIDAI will soon send biometric kits to districts across the country. These machines will be circulated among schools to carry out the updates efficiently.
“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.
This school-based approach is expected to make the biometric updating process more accessible for families and ensure that children continue to benefit from various public welfare programs without disruption.