UIDAI has warned that if children aged 7 years do not have their biometrics updated, their Aadhaar card will be deactivated.
Aadhar Card: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has recently issued a crucial warning that all parents need to be aware of. This warning directly concerns children aged 7 years or older whose Aadhaar cards have not yet undergone the mandatory biometric update (MBU). UIDAI has clearly stated that if this process is not completed in time, such children's Aadhaar cards will be deactivated.
What is MBU and why is it necessary?
According to UIDAI, the first mandatory biometric update (MBU) must be done when a child turns 5 years old. This process involves re-recording the child's fingerprints, iris scans, and facial photograph. Aadhaar for children under 5 years is created without biometrics because their biometric identity is not stable at that age. However, between the ages of 5 and 7, this identity becomes largely stable, which is why UIDAI emphasizes the mandatory biometric update.
Risk of Deactivation After Age 7
As per UIDAI's latest guidelines, if a child has completed 7 years of age and the MBU has still not been carried out, UIDAI may deactivate that Aadhaar. UIDAI has taken this step because it has found that a large number of children's biometrics have not yet been updated. This can directly affect the child's school admission, benefits from government schemes, scholarships, and other government documents where Aadhaar is mandatory.
Warning being given via SMS
UIDAI is now sending SMS messages to the mobile numbers that are linked to children's Aadhaar. These SMS messages clearly state to complete the biometric update as soon as possible, otherwise the Aadhaar card will be deactivated. This step has also been taken to inform parents in a timely manner so that they can update their children's Aadhaar under the UIDAI rules.
Where and How to Get the Biometric Update Done?
1. Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra
UIDAI has established thousands of Aadhaar Seva Kendras across the country where you can get this update done.
2. Bring the necessary documents
It is necessary to bring the child's birth certificate, old Aadhaar card, and the parent's Aadhaar card.
3. An appointment can also be taken
An appointment can be booked through the UIDAI website or mAadhaar app to avoid waiting.
What are the charges?
- Getting the MBU done between the ages of 5 and 7 is completely free.
- If you get the MBU done after crossing the age of 7, you will have to pay a fee of ₹100.
Therefore, it is better to complete this process for free when the child is between 5 and 7 years old.
What happens after deactivation?
If the Aadhaar is deactivated:
- The child may not be able to get Aadhaar at the time of school admission
- Difficulty in getting their name added to government schemes
- Problems in creating any government documents in the future
- May be deprived of services like health insurance and scholarships
UIDAI's Appeal
UIDAI appeals to all parents in the country to take their children's Aadhaar seriously and get the mandatory biometric update done in time. This is not only a legal requirement but also a way to keep children's digital identity safe and updated.
