Bal Aadhaar Initiative:
Over 7.9 million children aged up to five were enrolled under the Unique Identification Authority’s Bal Aadhaar initiative from April to July.
- The Bal Aadhaar, a precursor to a standard Aadhaar, is issued in blue colour to children aged up to five. Upon expiration, a regular Aadhaar is issued.
- Bal Aadhaar works as a facilitator in availing several welfare benefits, and also works as a digital photo identity for children.
- Biometrics to establish uniqueness for the Bal Aadhar is not collected unlike in the case of Aadhaar.
- A facial image of a child is instead taken for enrolment.
- Biometric authentication of the parent/guardian and a proof of relationship document, preferably a birth certificate, are collected at the time of enrolment.
- CAG criticism of Bal Aadhar: The audit was also critical of UIDAI’s move to issue Aadhaar cards to children and newborns without biometrics under an initiative known as Bal Aadhaar.
- This needs to be reviewed because anyway after 5 years, a child has to apply for a new regular Aadhar.
