In India, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced the Baal Aadhaar (also known as Bala Aadhaar) to provide a unique identification number to children below the age of 5. This initiative aims to ensure that every child has access to essential services and benefits. However, as children grow, it’s crucial to update their Aadhaar details to maintain accuracy and validity.
Understanding Baal Aadhaar
The Baal Aadhaar is a variant of the Aadhaar card issued to children under the age of 5. Unlike the regular Aadhaar card, Baal Aadhaar does not include biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans. Instead, it relies on demographic information and a facial photograph of the child, linked to the Aadhaar number of one of the parents.
Key Features:
- Color: Blue
- Biometric Data: Not included for children under 5
- Validity: Only valid until the child turns 5
Importance of Updating Baal Aadhaar
As children grow, their physical characteristics change, making it essential to update their Aadhaar details. The UIDAI mandates two crucial biometric updates:
- At Age 5: To capture the child’s fingerprints, iris scan, and facial photograph.
- At Age 15: To re-capture biometric data to reflect physical changes.
Failure to update biometric details at these specified ages can render the Baal Aadhaar inactive, leading to potential issues in accessing services and benefits.
UIDAI Guidelines for Biometric Updates
The UIDAI has set clear guidelines regarding the biometric update process:
- Age 5 Update: Parents must ensure that their child’s biometric details are updated when the child turns 5. This update is free of cost.
- Age 15 Update: A second biometric update is required when the child turns 15. This update is also free of cost.
- Failure to Update: If biometric details are not updated at the specified ages, the Baal Aadhaar becomes inactive. To reactivate it, parents must visit an Aadhaar Enrollment Center and complete the necessary procedures.
Note: It’s important to remember that the Baal Aadhaar is valid only until the child turns 5. After this age, the child will need to obtain a regular Aadhaar card, which includes biometric data.
Procedure for Updating Baal Aadhaar
Updating the Baal Aadhaar involves the following steps:
- Locate the Nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Center: Parents can find the nearest center by visiting the official UIDAI website or using the mAadhaar app.
- Book an Appointment: While walk-ins are accepted, it’s advisable to book an appointment online to avoid long waiting times.
- Carry Necessary Documents:
- Child’s Baal Aadhaar Card
- Aadhaar Card of One Parent
- Proof of Age: Birth certificate or school ID card
- Visit the Enrollment Center: On the scheduled date, visit the center with the required documents. The child will undergo biometric data capture, including fingerprints, iris scan, and facial photograph.
- Receive Acknowledgment: After the update, parents will receive an acknowledgment slip. The updated Aadhaar details will be sent to the registered address.
Important: The biometric update process is free of cost. If any center demands payment for this service, parents should report the incident to UIDAI immediately.
Consequences of Not Updating Baal Aadhaar
Neglecting to update the Baal Aadhaar at the specified ages can have several implications:
- Inaccessibility to Services: The child may face difficulties in availing government services and benefits that require Aadhaar verification.
- Inactivation of Aadhaar: The child’s Aadhaar may become inactive, leading to complications in future identity verification processes.
- Legal Implications: In certain cases, failure to update Aadhaar details can lead to legal issues, especially when Aadhaar is used as a proof of identity.
UIDAI’s Role and Initiatives
The UIDAI plays a pivotal role in ensuring that every child’s Aadhaar details are accurate and up-to-date. To facilitate this:
- Awareness Campaigns: UIDAI conducts awareness programs to educate parents about the importance of updating their child’s Aadhaar details.
- Mobile Enrollment Units: To reach remote areas, UIDAI deploys mobile enrollment units that visit various locations, making it convenient for parents to update their child’s Aadhaar.
- Online Services: Parents can check the status of their child’s Aadhaar update online through the official UIDAI website.
Conclusion
The Baal Aadhaar is a significant step towards ensuring that every child in India has a unique identity, facilitating access to essential services and benefits. However, it’s crucial for parents to understand the importance of updating their child’s Aadhaar details at the specified ages to maintain its validity.
By adhering to the UIDAI guidelines and ensuring timely biometric updates, parents can ensure that their child continues to have uninterrupted access to services and benefits. The UIDAI’s initiatives and resources aim to make this process as seamless as possible, emphasizing the importance of a valid and up-to-date Aadhaar for every child.
In conclusion, the Baal Aadhaar serves as a foundational identity document for children, and its timely updates are essential for ensuring that children can avail themselves of the rights and benefits entitled to them. Parents play a crucial role in this process, and their proactive involvement can make a significant difference in their child’s future.
