Aadhaar Card for a Child: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
The Aadhaar Card is a unique 12-digit identity number issued to every citizen and resident of India. This has remained in controversy ever since the implementation a few years back. UIDAI is the appointed Government Body to manage this Unique ID system for our country. Data protection and privacy have been the biggest issues related to this concept. But with the Aadhaar Number, there is no duplicity of data, and this reduces identity thefts and fraudulent transactions. UIDAI has laid down a procedure to acquire the Aadhaar Card. Though this is not mandatory for children, there are merits in getting the Aadhaar Card done for children.
What is an Aadhaar Card?
The Aadhaar Card is a unique 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India, UIDAI. This is proof of identity and residence among Indian citizens. It contains both biometric and demographic information, helping in establishing beyond doubt the identity of a person.
Why is an Aadhaar Card Important for a Child?
An Aadhaar card is a must for every child as it gives an identity, and multiple avenues open up with it. Through this, children can be the beneficiary owners of any government scheme, educational scholarships, or health facilities. It shall serve valid identity proof at school during admission, opening bank accounts, and other legal purposes.
Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining an Aadhaar Card for a Child
However, for children, there are certain eligibility criteria to apply for an Aadhaar card. You should be of Indian citizenship and should have some proof of the same. More importantly, one of your parents/guardians should have an Aadhaar card.
Documents Needed to Enroll for an Aadhaar Card
For enrolling for an Aadhaar Card, the following documents shall be required for your child.
Proof of identity: Birth certificate, student ID, etc.
Evidence of parentage: birth certificate, passport, etc.
Obtaining an Aadhaar card for a child involves the following steps:
Apply for Aadhaar Card for your Child:
Check Eligibility:
Your child has to be above 1 year old and older to apply for an Aadhaar Card. Simple but very useful in the long run.
Gather Documents Required:
Birth certificate of child, address proof, and Aadhaar card of one of the parents.
Locate Enrollment Center:
Find a centre nearest to you for Aadhaar Enrollment. You can search through the 'Centre Locator' on the official website of UIDAI (uidai.gov.in).
Online Appointment:
You can book an appointment online at any registration centre of your choice and need not wait in long queues. You can book appointments online on the UIDAI web portal or through an app called myAadhaar.
Visit the Enrollment Centre:
Take yourself, your child, and the required documents to the Enrollment Centre at the appointed time. Carry originals and photocopies of all documents.
Fill an application with biometric data :
Fill up the form correctly. The form should be posted along with the necessary documents for proof. Biometric information, which involves fingerprints and iris scans, will be erased.
Get the acknowledgment letter:
On registration, you will get an acknowledgement letter which would carry a registration number. Keep these documents safe so that one could track the status of your child's first Aadhaar card.
Need and importance of updating details in the Aadhaar Card
One needs to update the details of a child in his/her Aadhaar card from time to time. All the modifications concerning address, contact information, and biometric data must be updated regularly so that whatever is saved in the card remains valid and accurate.
Benefits of Having an Aadhaar Card for a Child
- Government schemes: This Aadhaar card helps the children to benefit from a lot of government welfare schemes and facilities, including scholarships, health facilities, and social security programs.
- School admissions: Many schools demand an Aadhaar card as identity proof at the time of admission.
- Financial services: As the child grows older, an Aadhaar card becomes necessary for opening a bank account or availing of financial services.
- Digital services: The Aadhaar Card can link to all digital services. This facilitates easy authentication into online services.
- Parents or guardians have to take appropriate steps in safeguarding the Child’s Aadhaar card information:
Keep the Aadhaar Card and details confidential
- Storing the Physical Card safely
- Avoid sharing the Aadhaar number unnecessarily
- Be careful about providing Aadhaar details for any online transaction.
Disclaimer
This information is of general nature only. For the most accurate and latest details, please visit the official web site of UIDAI.
FAQ's
A- A parent or legal guardian’s Aadhar card is required along with the birth certificate of the child. No biometric data will be collected from children below the age of 5. Till this age, a child’s Aadhar card gets linked to her parent’s Aadhar card.
No, there is no age limit for Aadhaar enrollment. Even a newborn baby can enroll in Aadhaar.
After about 15 working days of registration, your Aadhaar application shall be processed, after which you will get an update on your registered mobile number.
A- If your child was between the age bracket of 5 to 15 years while getting the first enrollment, then you have to update all biometrics so that they can renew it to 15.
Go to the nearest registration centre and ask for the Aadhaar Correction Form. In case you remember your TN registration ID or your Aadhaar number, then you can simply ask your registrar to issue a duplicate Aadhaar card.
Conclusion:
Obtaining an Aadhaar card for a child is a significant step in ensuring their access to essential services and benefits. By following the process outlined in this guide, parents and guardians can provide their children with a unique identity that will prove invaluable throughout their lives. Remember to safeguard the child’s Aadhaar card information and keep it updated to maximize its benefits.