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The Aadhaar card has become a crucial document in India, and children are no exception. For kids below 5 years old, a special blue-colored Aadhaar card, called Baal Aadhaar, is issued.

What is Aadhaar?

• Aadhaaris one of the most vital KYC documents in the country for availing of government subsidies and benefits of various government-run welfare schemes.
• It is considered to be an important identity proof document across sectors as it includes important details of citizens like full name, permanent address, and date of birth, linked to a unique 12-digit number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India(UIDAI).

What is Baal Aadhaar (Blue Aadhaar card)?

• In 2018, the UIDAI introduced the concept of the ‘Baal Aadhaar’ card specifically tailored for children under the age of five.
• The Baal Aadhaar card is blue in colour, unlike the regular white Aadhaar card for adults.
• This card also contains a 12-digit unique identification number for a child below 5 years.
• Features of Blue Aadhaar card:
• Unlike adults, no biometric data of the child is required for issuing the card.
• His/her UID is processed based on the demographic information and facial photograph linked with the UID of their parents.
• But the child needs to update his/her biometric data of ten fingers, iris and facial photographs, when he/she turns five and again at the age of 15, otherwise the card will become invalid. 
• The biometric data update for the teen Aadhaar cardholders is free.

What is the significance of Blue Aadhaar card?

• Government schemes: The card opens doors to a plethora of government assistance programmes.
• Scholarship: It also facilitates the provision of EWS scholarships while aiding the government in distinguishing between fraudulent and legitimate students.
  • Mandatory requirement: Moreover, many schools are now mandating the presentation of Blue Aadhaar cards during the admission process.