UIDAI's School-Based Biometric Updates: A Strategic Move for 70 Million Children

UIDAI's Strategic Move: School-Based Biometric Updates for 70 Million Children

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to update the biometric data of 70 million children through schools. This comprehensive program, set to launch within the next 45-60 days, aims to streamline the Aadhaar system and ensure timely updates, which are crucial for accessing various government services.

The Importance of Timely Biometric Updates

Under the current Aadhaar system, children under five years of age receive Aadhaar numbers without biometric data. A Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) is required when a child reaches five years old to capture fingerprints and iris scans. This update must be completed between ages five and seven at no cost, with potential Aadhaar deactivation if not completed by age seven. Updates after age seven incur a ₹100 fee.

Ensuring Integrity and Efficiency

UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar emphasized the importance of this initiative: “UIDAI is working on a project to start updating the biometrics of children with parental consent through schools. We are at present testing the technology and it should be ready in 45-60 days.” The implementation strategy involves deploying biometric machines at the district level, which will rotate among schools to facilitate updates. Parental consent will be required for all biometric updates.

The Role of Schools

Schools have been identified as the most efficient channel to reach children and ensure timely updates. The biometric data is essential for accessing services including school admissions, scholarships, entrance exams, and Direct Benefit Transfer schemes. The approach supports India’s broader push for biometric authentication in public service delivery.

Future Plans: Second Mandatory Update at Age 15

The program includes plans for a second mandatory biometric update at age 15, which UIDAI intends to facilitate through colleges in the future. The comprehensive approach aims to maintain the accuracy and reliability of the Aadhaar database while supporting the government’s efficient delivery of various benefit schemes.

The Broader Impact

The school-based biometric update initiative is part of UIDAI’s ongoing modernization efforts, which include recent launches of QR code-based verification systems and remote update capabilities. These efforts are crucial for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the Aadhaar digital identity system, which serves as the backbone for numerous government services.

The Bottom Line

UIDAI’s school-based biometric update program represents a significant step forward in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the Aadhaar system. By leveraging schools and requiring parental consent, the initiative not only streamlines the update process but also enhances the security and efficiency of government service delivery. This strategic move is poised to benefit 70 million children and support the broader goals of India’s digital identity ecosystem.