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.
About UIDAI
- UIDAI was created with the objective to issue Unique Identification numbers (UID), named as “Aadhaar”, to all residents of India that is-
- Robust enough to eliminate duplicate and fake identities
- Can be verified and authenticated in an easy, cost-effective way.
- UIDAI is a statutory authority established under the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.
- Prior to its establishment as a statutory authority, UIDAI was functioning as an attached office of the then Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog).
- Under the Aadhaar Act 2016, UIDAI is responsible for-
- Aadhaar enrolment and authentication, including operation and management of all stages of Aadhaar life cycle
- Developing the policy, procedure and system for issuing Aadhaar numbers to individuals
- Perform authentication
- To ensure the security of identity information and authentication records of individuals.
- It comes under the Electronics & IT ministry.
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