Bal Aadhaar Initiative

Context

Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and IT informed that Unique Identification Authority (UIDAI) has enrolled more than 79 lakh children in the 0 – 5 age group during the first four months (April-July) of the current financial year.

• While 2.64 crore children in the 0-5 age group had Bal Aadhaar by the end of March 31, 2022, this number has increased to 3.43 crore by the end of July 2022.
  
  

About Bal Aadhaar Initiative

• Children in the age group of 0-5 years are issued Bal Aadhaar by UIDAI.
• Collection of biometrics (fingerprints and iris) is a key feature in issuing Aadhaar as the same is required to establish uniqueness based on de-duplication of these biometrics.
• However, for Aadhaar enrolment of children in the age group of 0-5 years, these biometrics are not collected.
• Aadhaar enrolment of children in the age group of 0-5 years are carried out based on a facial image of the child, and biometric authentication of the parent/guardian (having a valid Aadhaar).
• A proof of relationship document (preferably birth certificate) is collected at the time of enrolment for Bal Aadhaar.
• To differentiate the Bal Aadhaar from normal Aadhaar, it is issued in blue colour.
• Bal Aadhaar is issued with a remark that this is valid till the child attains the age of 5 years.
• On attaining the age of 5, the child is required to furnish his or her biometrics at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to complete a process called mandatory biometric update (MBU).
• The MBU process goes through a de-duplication process.
• After completion of this process, the child is issued a normal Aadhaar without any change in the Aadhaar number.

Significance

• Bal Aadhaar works as a facilitator in availing several welfare benefits, and also works as a digital photo identity for children right from birth.
• For the kids below the age of 5 years, Bal Aadhaar can be used as identity proof while traveling in railways and flights or while staying in hotels.
• The kids with Bal Aadhaar are also entitled to government-subsidized schemes.
• Most schools insist on producing a child’s Aadhaar card for the school admission process.
• The Indian Government has made it mandatory for the children to receive benefits of the mid-day meal facility. 
• This move has helped to save a huge amount of subsidies meant for the poor children and also helps the government to remove fake students.