Aadhaar,
the 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification
Authority of India (UIDAI), is mandatory and can be issued to everyone
including children. A child’s school ID – the photo ID issued by a
recognised educational institution – can also be used for his or her
Aadhaar enrolment. This was said by the UIDAI on microblogging site
Twitter. The child’s school ID will serve as an identity proof for
Aadhaar enrolment, said the UIDAI, also the issuer of Aadhaar card.
Also, the UIDAI recently introduced a blue-coloured ‘Baal Aadhaar’ card for children below the age of five years.
How to get an Aadhaar card for a child, according to the UIDAI website – uidai.gov.in:
1. Visit the enrolment centre with child’s birth certificate and the school’s identity card and fill the enrolment form.
2. One of the parents must also provide
their Aadhaar card number for the authentication purpose. It is
necessary to provide the Aadhaar card of one of the parents when
enrolling for child’s Aadhaar card, according to the UIDAI.
3. Provide a mobile number that you wish to register with the Aadhaar card.
4. Biometrics are not recorded for
children before five years of age. Once the child crosses the age of
five years, his or her biometrics details – through iris and fingerprint
scans – need to be updated. If the child’s age is more than five years,
biometrics will also be recorded. The child’s fingerprint and iris
scans as well as photograph will be taken at the Aadhaar enrolment
centre (also known as ‘Aadhaar Kendra’). These details will be updated
again when the child turns 15.
5. After confirmation, collect the
acknowledgement slip. Once the verification process is completed, an SMS
will be sent to the registered mobile number. Within 60 days of
receiving this message, the Aadhaar card number will be issued.