Letter warns delays may affect Aadhaar use for benefits
PANAJI
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has written to the Goa Chief Secretary to make sure schools complete the mandatory biometric update (MBU) for children between five and fifteen years of age.
The UIDAI CEO has sent similar letters to all States and Union Territories.
“Timely completion of MBU in Aadhaar is an essential requirement for children at the age of five and once again at fifteen years of age. It is crucial for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of the biometric data of children in Aadhaar,” chief executive officer Bhuvnesh Kumar said in the letter.
He noted that across India, about 17 crore Aadhaar numbers of children still require biometric updates. States have been asked to hold special camps to complete the pending work.
Kumar added that updating biometrics is necessary, as delays may cause problems when children try to authenticate Aadhaar for benefits under government schemes, or while registering for entrance and university exams such as NEET, JEE and CUET.
“It is noted that many times students and parents rush for Aadhaar updates at the last moment leading to anxieties. This can be avoided with timely biometric updates,” he said.
UIDAI has partnered with the Department of School Education and Literacy to provide details of children’s MBU status on the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) application. This step will help ensure Aadhaar biometric updates for crores of students.
