The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Sunday, September 21, announced that new Aadhaar enrolments and mandatory biometric updates for children aged between 5-7 years and 15-17 years will be provided free of cost. This initiative aims to ensure that children’s biometric data is up to date as they grow, without placing a financial burden on families. Also, it will benefit a large population. Notably, the government had previously made biometric updates mandatory for children’s Aadhaar cards.
The biometric updates will cover fingerprints, iris, photograph for children aged between 5-7 years and 15-17 years. Announcing the initiative, UIDAI wrote on X, “Aadhaar new enrolment and mandatory biometric updates for children between the age of 5–7 years & 15–17 years are free of cost.”
Aadhaar Update- Here’s how to get it done
First, visit your nearest Aadhaar enrollment center. You can find it on the UIDAI’s official website or by using the mAadhaar mobile application. Collect a form. Obtain an Aadhaar update form from the center and fill it out. Submit the form at the center. Also, submit your biometric data. The center operator will perform a fingerprint scan, iris scan, or both for authentication.
The Aadhaar enrolment process includes visiting Enrolment Centre, filling the enrolment form, getting demographic and biometric data captured, submitting proof of Identity and address documents, before collecting acknowledgement slip containing Enrolment ID. Aadhaar enrolment is free of cost. One can go to any authorised Aadhaar enrolment centre with your proof of identity and proof of address documents.
When Mandatory Biometric Update is to be conducted?
According to UIDAI, “When child attains an age of 5 years all biometric (Photo, Finger Prints and both Iris) data would be recorded. A de-duplication would be done for the child at this stage. This biometric update is free of cost.” Second update has to be conducted when Aadhaar number holder attains age of 15 years. The individual should furnish all biometrics including photo, finger prints and both iris for update. This biometric update is also free of cost.
