What Is Bal Aadhaar Initiative? Why Govt Wants Aadhaar For Children Under 5 Yrs

Following the expansion of public discourse on the Baal Aadhaar Initiative, here is an account of all that is required to comprehend why the government needs another Aadhaar for children.

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Bal Aadhaar registration is moving forward extremely quickly across the nation. In states like Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, enrollment of children in the 0-5 age range has already covered more than 70% of the targeted age group. In many other states and UTs, including Jammu & Kashmir, Mizoram, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, and Lakshadweep, registration of children (0–5 years old) has also performed remarkably well.

As per a release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Unique Identification Authority of India (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.

In the wake of growing public discussions on the Bal Aadhaar Initiative, here’s all the information that is to be needed to understand why there is a need for another Aadhar for children in the country: 

This initiative is a part of an ongoing effort to expand the authorities' reach to children aged 0 to 5 and enable their parents to take advantage of several benefits listed under several government schemes. By the end of March 2022, 2.64 crore children in the 0-5 age range had Bal Aadhaar; by the end of July 2022, this figure had risen to 3.43 crore.

What Is Bal Aadhaar Initiative? Why Is It Needed? 

Bal Aadhaar will work as a facilitator in availing several welfare benefits, and also as a digital photo identity for children right from birth. 

Quoting the available government data, the saturation of Aadhaar at present is around 94%. Aadhaar saturation among adults is almost 100%. Aadhaar is now a catalyst for both, ease of living and ease of doing business.

In order to better implement the government schemes for children within the age group of 0-5 years (to provide better facilities for nutrition and early education), the documentation of children under this scheme is advocated by the Government of India. 

What Documents Are Needed For Registration Of Bal Aadhaar? 

Bal Aadhaar cards are given out to children between the ages of 0-5. A significant component of issuing Aadhaar is the collection of biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans), which is necessary to ensure uniqueness based on the de-duplication of these data. However, these biometrics are not collected when children between the ages of 0 and 5 enrol in Aadhaar.

The facial image of the child and the biometric authentication of the parent or legal guardian is used to enrol children in Aadhaar in the age range of 0 to 5 years (having a valid Aadhaar). When enrolling for Bal Aadhaar, a proof of relationship document (ideally a birth certificate) is required.

Can This Bal Aadhaar Be Converted Into Normal Aadhaar? 

To differentiate the Bal Aadhaar from normal Aadhaar, it is issued in blue colour, 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.