Aadhaar is often seen as the backbone of India’s digital identity system. From receiving government benefits to verifying identity for services, it plays a crucial role. But when it comes to children and senior citizens, Aadhaar raises unique questions — is it mandatory? How is it issued for minors? What about old-age citizens who face difficulty in biometric authentication?
Let’s explore everything about Aadhaar for children and senior citizens, in a simple, conversational tone to help promote legal awareness in India.
🧒 Aadhaar for Children — “Baal Aadhaar”
Children too can have an Aadhaar number — it’s known as Baal Aadhaar, and it’s designed especially for minors below 5 years of age.
Unlike adults, who provide biometric data (fingerprint and iris scan), Aadhaar for children works differently:
- For children under 5 years, Aadhaar is generated without biometrics.
- The Aadhaar number is linked to one of the parent’s Aadhaar cards.
- A blue-colored “Baal Aadhaar” card is issued for easy identification.
Once the child turns 5 years old, biometric data must be updated. Again, at age 15, biometrics must be re-verified to ensure accuracy.
📘 Legal Framework for Aadhaar in Children
The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act, 2016 allows Aadhaar enrollment for all residents, including minors. However, children cannot be denied services for not having Aadhaar.
In 2018, the Supreme Court in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) vs. Union of India case ruled that:
- Aadhaar cannot be made mandatory for school admissions or examinations.
- Aadhaar for children is voluntary and must be based on the consent of parents or guardians.
- No child should be denied benefits like midday meals, scholarships, or healthcare due to lack of Aadhaar.
Thus, Aadhaar for children is meant to facilitate welfare, not restrict access.
🏫 Aadhaar and Education Schemes
Aadhaar has been integrated into many educational and welfare schemes — but only for smoother delivery, not as a compulsion.
For example:
- Scholarships: Linking Aadhaar ensures that funds are transferred directly to the student’s or guardian’s bank account.
- Midday Meal Scheme: Aadhaar helps monitor genuine beneficiaries and prevent duplication, but it is not mandatory.
- School Admissions: Aadhaar may be requested for records, but alternate ID proofs must always be accepted.
Case Example:
In 2019, the Delhi High Court directed schools to admit children even without Aadhaar after parents complained that schools were insisting on it. The court reaffirmed that Aadhaar cannot be a barrier to education.
🧓 Aadhaar for Senior Citizens — Identity and Accessibility
For senior citizens, Aadhaar plays a significant role in accessing pensions, healthcare, and other government benefits. However, elderly citizens often face challenges in biometric authentication due to fading fingerprints, poor eyesight, or mobility issues.
To address this, the UIDAI has introduced several alternative measures:
- Face authentication as an alternative to fingerprints or iris scans.
- OTP-based authentication for those unable to use biometrics.
- Aadhaar Seva Kendras offering assisted services for senior citizens.
These changes ensure that older adults are not excluded from benefits like pensions, healthcare, or direct transfers due to technical limitations.
⚖️ Legal Safeguards for Senior Citizens
Under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, every resident is entitled to obtain an Aadhaar number voluntarily. The Act and subsequent amendments ensure:
- No denial of pension, ration, or other welfare benefits due to Aadhaar authentication failure.
- Senior citizens can update biometrics anytime free of cost.
- Government departments must provide alternative verification methods where biometric authentication fails.
Example:
In 2020, the Supreme Court directed authorities to ensure that senior citizens receiving pensions under social schemes are not deprived due to Aadhaar mismatches. Departments were asked to use OTP or manual verification as backup methods.
🔒 Privacy and Consent in Aadhaar for Minors and Elders
Privacy and consent are key concerns when it comes to Aadhaar enrollment for vulnerable groups.
- For minors, parents or guardians must provide consent and documents during enrollment.
- Aadhaar data of children cannot be used for profiling or surveillance.
- Once a child turns 18, they can choose to update or cancel their Aadhaar information voluntarily.
- For senior citizens, data is stored securely, and consent is required for every authentication.
The Supreme Court’s Aadhaar judgment (2018) reinforced that biometric and demographic data cannot be shared with any private agency without consent and lawful purpose.
🧩 Challenges and Concerns
Despite the benefits, Aadhaar usage among children and elders has faced certain issues:
- Authentication failures: Especially in the case of old fingerprints or unregistered biometrics.
- Data security concerns: Parents often worry about misuse of children’s Aadhaar data.
- Exclusion risk: Some elderly citizens face difficulties accessing benefits due to technical mismatches.
- Lack of awareness: Many are unaware of the re-verification requirements at ages 5 and 15.
These challenges underline the importance of awareness and alternatives in implementing Aadhaar fairly.
🧠 Real-Life Case Study
Case: A 78-year-old pensioner in Jharkhand stopped receiving her pension because her fingerprint authentication repeatedly failed at the bank.
Action Taken: After media reports, UIDAI stepped in and instructed banks to enable OTP-based authentication for elderly citizens. The woman’s pension was restored.
Lesson: No one should be denied benefits due to biometric failure — the law guarantees alternative verification.
⚙️ How to Enroll or Update Aadhaar
For Children:
- Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra with the child’s birth certificate and parent’s Aadhaar.
- Biometric update required at ages 5 and 15.
- Download “Baal Aadhaar” online after enrollment.
For Senior Citizens:
- Carry valid ID proof (PAN, voter ID, passport).
- If biometrics fail, opt for OTP or facial authentication.
- Regularly update mobile numbers linked to Aadhaar for easy verification.
💬 FAQs
Q1. Is Aadhaar mandatory for school admissions?
No. Schools cannot deny admission for lack of Aadhaar. Alternate IDs must be accepted.
Q2. What is Baal Aadhaar?
It’s a blue-colored Aadhaar card for children below 5 years, linked to a parent’s Aadhaar.
Q3. Do senior citizens have to re-verify their biometrics?
Not mandatory, but they can update anytime free of cost for accuracy.
Q4. Can a child’s Aadhaar be canceled later?
Yes. Upon turning 18, the individual can choose to update or cancel Aadhaar data voluntarily.
Q5. What if an elderly person’s fingerprints don’t work?
Alternate methods like OTP or facial recognition can be used under UIDAI guidelines.
🌟 Conclusion
Aadhaar has simplified life for millions — from identifying beneficiaries to ensuring direct benefits. Yet, when it comes to children and senior citizens, care, consent, and inclusion are vital.
The legal framework ensures that Aadhaar remains a tool of empowerment, not exclusion. By understanding the rights, procedures, and safeguards, families can ensure their loved ones benefit from Aadhaar — securely and confidently.
🖼️ Suggested Related Images:
- Illustration of “Baal Aadhaar” card (blue-colored) for children.
- Infographic on biometric update timeline (age 5 and 15).
- Photo of elderly person using OTP-based Aadhaar verification.
- Poster: “Aadhaar for All — Inclusive and Accessible.”
- Graphic comparing Aadhaar for children vs. senior citizens.
Keywords: Baal Aadhaar, Aadhaar for children, Aadhaar for senior citizens, Aadhaar KYC, Aadhaar biometric failure, UIDAI rules, Aadhaar privacy, Supreme Court Aadhaar judgment, legal awareness India, Aadhaar consent rights