India's Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues a distinctive identity document for children under the age of five, known as the Blue Aadhaar card or Bal Aadhaar. This specialized version of the Aadhaar card ensures that infants and toddlers have a unique identity from a young age, without the need for biometric data collection.
What is the Blue Aadhaar Card?
The Blue Aadhaar card is exclusively designed for children below five years old. It is easily identifiable by its blue color, hence the popular name. Unlike the standard Aadhaar card for adults, the Bal Aadhaar is generated using only the child's demographic information, such as their name, date of birth, and a photograph. Fingerprints and iris scans are not collected because these biometric features are still developing and unstable in very young children. Instead, the child's Aadhaar is linked to the Aadhaar number of one of their parents or a legal guardian.
Key Differences from a Regular Aadhaar
The most significant distinction between the Blue Aadhaar card and a regular Aadhaar card lies in the handling of biometric data. A standard Aadhaar card for adults includes the holder's fingerprints, iris scans, and photograph, providing a comprehensive biometric profile. In contrast, the Blue Aadhaar card only contains the child's photograph and demographic details.
- Biometric Data: Regular Aadhaar includes fingerprints and iris scans; Blue Aadhaar does not.
- Validity: Blue Aadhaar is valid only until the child turns five, requiring a mandatory update.
- Color: Blue Aadhaar is distinctly blue, while regular Aadhaar cards are typically white.
Despite these differences, the Blue Aadhaar card includes a unique 12-digit Aadhaar number and a QR code, making it a valid identity document for various services.
How to Apply for a Bal Aadhaar Card
Parents or legal guardians can easily enroll their child for a Blue Aadhaar card by following a straightforward process:
- Visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with your child.
- Fill out the Aadhaar enrolment form specifically for children.
- Submit the child's birth certificate or another valid proof of date of birth, such as a vaccination card.
- Provide the Aadhaar card and address proof of one parent or legal guardian.
- The child's photograph will be captured at the enrolment center.
- After document submission, an acknowledgement slip will be issued, which can be used to track the application status.
The Blue Aadhaar card is typically delivered to the registered address within 90 days of application.
Documents Required
When applying for a Bal Aadhaar card, parents need to carry the following documents:
- Child's birth certificate or another valid proof of date of birth (e.g., vaccination card).
- Aadhaar card of one parent or legal guardian.
- Address proof of the parent or legal guardian (e.g., ration card, electricity bill).
Why No Biometrics for Young Children?
Children below the age of five are exempt from providing fingerprints or iris scans because these biometric features undergo significant changes as they grow. To ensure the accuracy and longevity of the Aadhaar identity, these details are only collected when the child reaches an age where their biometrics are more stable. This is why mandatory biometric updates are required once the child turns five, and again at 15 years old, to keep the Aadhaar active and accurate.
Important Rules for Parents
Parents should be aware of several key rules regarding the Blue Aadhaar card:
- The Blue Aadhaar card is issued free of cost.
- It remains valid only until the child turns five years old.
- Mandatory Update: Once the child turns five, parents must get their child's fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph updated at an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. Failure to do so may result in the Aadhaar card becoming inactive.
- Another mandatory biometric update is required when the child turns 15 years old.
Fees and Charges
Most essential Aadhaar services for children are provided free of charge:
- New Aadhaar enrolment for children of all ages: Free
- Mandatory biometric updates at ages 5 and 15: Free
However, certain other services may incur a fee:
- Demographic updates (e.g., name change during childhood): ₹50
- Biometric update (if required outside of mandatory updates): ₹100
- Colour printout of the Aadhaar card: ₹30
Why is the Blue Aadhaar Card Important?
The Blue Aadhaar card serves as a crucial official identity document for children, opening doors to several essential services and benefits:
- Facilitates school admissions.
- Enables access to government welfare schemes and healthcare services.
- Required for passport applications.
- Assists in opening bank accounts for minors and accessing scholarships.
- Plays a vital role in verifying a child's identity and their relationship with parents/guardians, contributing to efforts against child trafficking, child labor, and other forms of abuse.
Parents can also link their mobile number to their child's Aadhaar and manage up to five Aadhaar cards digitally through the mAadhaar app, providing convenient access and management of this important identification document.