Mandatory Aadhaar Biometric Updates for Children: What Parents Need to Know

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 23, 2024

The Government of Meghalaya has issued an important reminder for parents regarding Aadhaar enrolment and biometric updates for children. In an official press release, Dr. Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and State Nodal Officer (Aadhaar), has provides essential information to ensure that children’s Aadhaar records remain up-to-date. Key details include:

Aadhaar Enrolment for Newborns and Children: There is no age limit for Aadhaar registration, and even newborn babies can be enrolled. To enrol a child in the 0-5 years age group, parents need to provide their Aadhaar number along with the child’s birth certificate. This can be done by visiting any Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. During the enrolment process for children below 5 years of age, only a photograph of the child and biometric data of the parent are captured—no other biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) of the child are collected at this stage.

Mandatory Biometric Updates: It is critical to complete the mandatory biometric updates (photo, ten fingerprints, and iris scans) for children at two specific age intervals: 5 to 7 years and 15 to 17 years. Failure to complete these updates will result in the deactivation of the Aadhaar. These updates are necessary to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the child’s Aadhaar data as they grow.

It has been observed that some students have not completed the mandatory biometric updates at the specified age intervals, leading to the deactivation of their Aadhaar. This deactivation may subsequently hinder the registration process for availing scholarships, registering for national-level entrance exams, and accessing other services that require Aadhaar authentication.

Free Services: Aadhaar enrolment for all age groups, as well as the mandatory biometric updates for children aged 5 to 7 years and 15 to 17 years, are provided free of charge.

The Meghalaya government urges all citizens who have not yet enrolled for Aadhaar to do so at the earliest. Parents are particularly encouraged to complete the Aadhaar registration for their children and ensure the mandatory biometric updates for children aged 5 to 7 years and 15 to 17 years are done promptly to avoid any inconvenience.

Citizens can visit the Aadhaar enrolment centres at all Deputy Commissioner’s offices, the Block Development Offices, or Aadhaar Seva Kendra, Rynjah, Shillong for enrolment and updates.