If you’re in India or have lived there, you’ve probably heard of Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric identification system. However, there’s a special version of this card that you might not be as familiar with — the Blue Aadhaar Card. While most people have seen the regular white Aadhaar card, this version is for children under the age of five. If you’re wondering who needs it, why it’s necessary, and how to apply for it, this article will break everything down for you in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
What Is a Blue Aadhaar Card?
The Blue Aadhaar Card, also known as the Baal Aadhaar, is a special edition of the Aadhaar card issued to children below the age of five. Unlike the standard Aadhaar card, which contains biometric data (like fingerprints and iris scans), the Blue Aadhaar card does not. Instead, it links the child’s Aadhaar number to that of their parent or guardian.
This card is essential for accessing various government services, subsidies, and benefits designed for children. In fact, having a Blue Aadhaar card is becoming increasingly necessary for parents who want their children to avail benefits like healthcare, scholarships, and even certain educational services.
Ever Seen a Blue Aadhaar Card
| Key Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Group | Children under the age of 5 |
| Color | Blue |
| Biometric Data | Not collected (no fingerprint or iris scan) |
| Required Documents | Child’s birth certificate, parent’s Aadhaar, address proof |
| Application Fee | Free of charge |
| Validity | Valid until the child turns 5 |
| Official Website | UIDAI.gov.in |
| Process Duration | Aadhaar card is dispatched within 60 days of application |
The Blue Aadhaar card is a simple yet vital document for children under five years old. It ensures that your child can access essential government services and benefits, all while linking their identity to that of their parent or guardian. By following the straightforward steps outlined above, you can apply for the card and ensure your child is eligible for various programs designed to support their health, education, and well-being.
So, if you’re a parent or guardian, don’t wait — get your child’s Blue Aadhaar card today and make sure they have access to all the benefits they deserve.
Who Needs a Blue Aadhaar Card?
You might be wondering, “Why does my child need a Blue Aadhaar card?” Here’s why:
- Age Requirement: The Blue Aadhaar card is meant for children under 5 years of age. It helps keep track of the child’s identity and grants them access to government benefits, but without the need for biometric data.
- No Biometric Data: Since children under five do not have fully developed fingerprints or iris patterns, the Blue Aadhaar card does not require biometric scans. Instead, it uses the parent’s Aadhaar number as a link to the child’s card.
- Access to Services: Despite being without biometrics, the Blue Aadhaar card helps children access essential services like health care, nutrition programs, and educational benefits. This is crucial for families trying to access government schemes tailored for children.
Importance of the Blue Aadhaar Card for Children
A Blue Aadhaar card is more than just an identity card for children. It’s a tool that helps the Indian government ensure that children get the benefits they need. Many welfare programs, such as those related to child nutrition, healthcare, and education, require the Aadhaar number for registration.
- Health and Nutrition: The Blue Aadhaar card ensures that children can avail themselves of government health programs, like Immunization Programs, and access food and nutrition-related schemes such as ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) and the Midday Meal Scheme.
- Education: The Blue Aadhaar card is also required for children to access certain government education schemes and scholarship programs, which need the Aadhaar number for registration.
- Financial Inclusion: With the Blue Aadhaar card, parents can open bank accounts for their children, helping to promote financial inclusion from a young age.
How to Apply for a Blue Aadhaar Card
Now that you understand who needs a Blue Aadhaar card, let’s dive into how to apply for it. Fortunately, the process is simple and can be done in a few straightforward steps.
1. Visit the Official UIDAI Website
The first step in applying for a Blue Aadhaar card is to visit the official website of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). This is where you’ll begin the application process.
2. Book an Appointment
Once on the UIDAI website, navigate to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section and select the ‘Book an Appointment’ option. From there, you’ll be prompted to select ‘New Aadhaar for Children (0–5 years)’.
You will be asked to fill in details like:
- Parent’s Aadhaar number (to link the child’s Aadhaar).
- Child’s details, including the child’s name and date of birth.
3. Gather Required Documents
Before heading to the Aadhaar Enrollment Center, make sure you have all the required documents for both the child and the parent:
- Child’s birth certificate or hospital discharge slip.
- Parent’s Aadhaar card (for linking the child’s Aadhaar).
- Proof of address (for the parent/guardian).
- Passport-sized photographs of the child.
4. Visit the Aadhaar Enrollment Center
On the scheduled date, take the documents to your nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Center. The center may be in a government office, bank, or post office.
At the center:
- The child’s photograph will be taken.
- Since biometric data is not collected for children under 5, you won’t need to provide fingerprints or an iris scan.
5. Receive the Acknowledgment Slip
After completing the enrollment, you will receive an acknowledgment slip containing the enrollment number. This is your temporary reference for the application.
6. Wait for the Blue Aadhaar Card
Once the application is processed and verified, the Blue Aadhaar card will be sent to the registered address within 60 days. If there are any issues with the application, you will be notified.
Misconceptions about the Blue Aadhaar Card
Despite its simplicity, there are several misconceptions about the Blue Aadhaar card. Let’s clear up some common myths:
- Myth 1: The Blue Aadhaar Card Is Only for Parents
Fact: The Blue Aadhaar card is for children under five, and while it’s linked to the parent’s Aadhaar, it is the child’s identity that is being recorded. - Myth 2: You Need Biometric Data for Children
Fact: No biometric data (fingerprints or iris scan) is required for children under five, making it easy for parents to apply without any issues. - Myth 3: The Blue Aadhaar Card Is Just a Fancy Card
Fact: The Blue Aadhaar card is a key document that helps children access numerous government services, and is a crucial part of their identity for social and health programs.
Benefits of Having a Blue Aadhaar Card
The Blue Aadhaar card is an essential tool for children under 5 years, ensuring that they can benefit from various schemes and services. Here are a few benefits:
- Access to Government Schemes: Children with a Blue Aadhaar card can avail themselves of numerous government services and subsidies, such as the PMGAY (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana) for housing or the Midday Meal Scheme in schools.
- Link to Parent’s Aadhaar: Since the Blue Aadhaar card is linked to the parent’s Aadhaar, it helps in managing the child’s identity and allows the parent to easily track the child’s benefits and services.
- No Biometric Hassle: For younger children who don’t have developed biometric data, this card removes the need for fingerprint or iris scans, making it a hassle-free process.
Impact of the Blue Aadhaar Card on Society
The introduction of the Blue Aadhaar card has been a game-changer in the way that children’s identity and welfare are managed in India. It helps ensure that every child, even those from rural or marginalized backgrounds, is recognized and provided access to government schemes.
By linking children’s identity to the Aadhaar system, the government can effectively track and monitor the usage of benefits, ensuring that resources reach the intended recipients. Additionally, the Aadhaar system helps combat child labor, trafficking, and other abuses by creating a robust system of identification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Aadhaar Card
Q1: What happens when my child turns 5?
Once your child turns 5, their Blue Aadhaar card will no longer be valid. You will need to update the card by visiting an Aadhaar Enrollment Center to provide biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan). This will convert the child’s Blue Aadhaar into the regular white Aadhaar card.
Q2: Is there any cost involved in getting a Blue Aadhaar card?
No, there is no cost involved in applying for or receiving the Blue Aadhaar card. The entire process is free of charge.
Q3: Can I apply for the Blue Aadhaar card online?
Yes, you can apply for the Blue Aadhaar card online by visiting the UIDAI website and booking an appointment. However, the actual process of capturing the child’s photograph must be done at an Aadhaar Enrollment Center.
Q4: What documents do I need to apply for a Blue Aadhaar card?
You will need the child’s birth certificate, the parent’s Aadhaar card, proof of address (such as a utility bill), and passport-sized photos of the child.
Q5: How long does it take to receive the Blue Aadhaar card?
Once the application is processed and verified, the Blue Aadhaar card will be dispatched to the registered address within 60 days.
