In India, Aadhaar has become one of the most essential identity documents, helping streamline services, subsidies, and benefits to citizens. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which issues Aadhaar cards, has also made provisions for children, even those below five years of age, to be brought into the Aadhaar ecosystem. This special Aadhaar card for children is known as Baal Aadhaar or Bala Aadhaar.
The Baal Aadhaar serves as a foundational identity document for children and plays a key role in ensuring that government schemes and services reach every age group, especially the youngest members of society. Although it functions differently in some aspects compared to the regular Aadhaar card, its long-term value cannot be overstated.
What is Baal Aadhaar?
Baal Aadhaar is an Aadhaar card specifically designed for children below the age of 5 years. Unlike regular Aadhaar cards, Baal Aadhaar does not require biometric data such as fingerprints or iris scans at the time of enrolment. Instead, it is issued based on demographic information and a facial photograph of the child. It is linked with one of the parent’s Aadhaar numbers for authentication and record-keeping.
The Baal Aadhaar card is printed in a blue color to distinguish it from the regular Aadhaar card, which is white. Once the child turns 5, biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) are required to be updated. Another update is mandatory when the child turns 15, as this helps in keeping the Aadhaar card up to date with the child’s physical growth and changes.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for Baal Aadhaar is simple and inclusive:
- Age Group: Children from birth up to 5 years of age.
- Parental Aadhaar: At least one parent must have a valid Aadhaar card for enrolling their child.
- Documents Required:
- Birth certificate of the child (or a hospital discharge slip, if birth certificate is not yet available).
- Aadhaar card of one of the parents or legal guardians.
- A photograph of the child.
For children above 5 years but below 18 years, biometric enrolment is required, and they receive a standard Aadhaar card (not blue in color).
Why is Baal Aadhaar Important?
The significance of Baal Aadhaar extends beyond just being a document. Here are several reasons why it is crucial:
1. Access to Government Schemes
Many child-centric government schemes such as vaccination drives, nutrition programs under ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services), and scholarship programs require Aadhaar-based identification. Baal Aadhaar ensures no child is excluded due to the absence of an ID.
2. Educational Benefits
When children start school, Aadhaar is often needed for school admissions, especially in government and aided schools. It is also useful in availing mid-day meals, attendance monitoring, and accessing digital education initiatives.
3. Healthcare and Vaccination Tracking
Government hospitals and health departments use Aadhaar-linked tracking systems to monitor the vaccination status and health records of infants. Baal Aadhaar simplifies this tracking process and ensures children do not miss essential vaccines and healthcare services.
4. Travel and Identity Proof
Aadhaar, even for children, acts as a valid identity proof for travel within India, hotel check-ins, and more. It is especially useful for flight travel, where ID is needed even for infants.
5. Digital Inclusion
As the country moves towards a digital ecosystem, Baal Aadhaar ensures that children are not left behind. It becomes the first step in building a digital identity for them.
How to Apply for Baal Aadhaar?
The process for applying for a Baal Aadhaar is simple and free of cost.
Step 1: Locate the Nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Center
Parents or guardians must visit an authorized Aadhaar enrolment center or Aadhaar Seva Kendra. Many hospitals also offer Aadhaar enrolment services at the time of birth.
Step 2: Provide Documents
Submit the child’s birth certificate and one parent’s Aadhaar card. If a birth certificate is not available, a hospital discharge certificate or other government-issued document can be submitted.
Step 3: Photograph and Data Entry
The child’s photograph is taken on the spot. Since children below 5 years are not required to provide biometrics, only demographic data is entered.
Step 4: Acknowledgment Slip
After data is captured, an acknowledgment slip with an enrolment number is provided. This number can be used to track the status of the Aadhaar card.
Step 5: Aadhaar Issuance
The Baal Aadhaar card is typically sent by post within 2-3 weeks. It can also be downloaded online once generated.
Update Process at Age 5 and 15
The child’s Aadhaar must be updated:
- At age 5: To capture biometrics (fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph).
- At age 15: For re-capturing updated biometrics and photograph to reflect physical changes.
These updates are mandatory to keep the Aadhaar card active and accurate. Failure to update may result in the Aadhaar being rendered inactive.
Security and Privacy
Just like adult Aadhaar, Baal Aadhaar data is protected under the UIDAI’s security framework. Parents are encouraged to safeguard their child’s Aadhaar information and avoid sharing it unless necessary.
Additionally, consent of the parent is required for enrolling a child, and UIDAI ensures that Aadhaar data is not misused through regular audits and security protocols.
Challenges and Considerations
While Baal Aadhaar is a forward-thinking initiative, there are some challenges:
- Awareness: Many parents are still unaware of Baal Aadhaar and its benefits.
- Infrastructure: In rural and remote areas, access to enrolment centers may be limited.
- Data Updates: Many forget to update biometric data at age 5 or 15, causing issues later.
Continued awareness campaigns and mobile enrolment vans can help bridge this gap.
Conclusion
Baal Aadhaar is more than just an identity card for children; it’s a gateway to a host of services, rights, and opportunities. By registering children early, the government ensures inclusivity and efficiency in delivering public services, especially in the areas of health, education, and welfare.
While the system is robust, increasing public awareness and ensuring timely updates are vital for maximizing its potential. With a secure and systematic enrolment and update mechanism in place, Baal Aadhaar can play a transformative role in shaping an inclusive digital India where no child is left behind.
As the nation progresses towards greater digitization, Baal Aadhaar stands as a small but powerful symbol of inclusiveness, equity, and foresight.
