Blue Aadhaar Card : The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues a special type of Aadhaar known as the Blue Aadhaar card for a specific group of citizens. This variant has unique features and eligibility criteria that differ from the regular Aadhaar card. If you are a parent or guardian of a young child, it’s important to know how and when to get this essential document.
Let’s understand what a Blue Aadhaar is, who needs it, how it works, and why it’s important.
What is a Blue Aadhaar Card?
The Blue Aadhaar, also referred to as ‘Baal Aadhaar’, is a unique identity card issued for children below the age of 5 years. It acts as an Aadhaar number for infants and toddlers, helping them access government services, health benefits, and more even at an early age.
Key Features of the Blue Aadhaar Card:
- Issued to children aged 0-5 years.
- Printed in blue color to distinguish it from regular Aadhaar.
- No biometric data (like fingerprint or iris scan) is collected.
- Linked with the parent or guardian’s Aadhaar.
- Becomes invalid after the child turns 5 unless updated with biometric data.
Who is Eligible for the Blue Aadhaar?
Only children below the age of 5 are eligible for the Blue Aadhaar. The child must be an Indian resident. Parents or guardians must provide their own Aadhaar details during the application.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The child must be below 5 years of age.
- At least one parent or legal guardian must have a valid Aadhaar card.
- Birth certificate or hospital discharge slip may be required as proof of birth.
Documents Required for Blue Aadhaar Registration
When applying for a Blue Aadhaar, only a few documents are needed, making the process hassle-free for parents.
| Document Type | Details Required |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar of parent or guardian |
| Proof of Relationship | Birth certificate or hospital discharge slip |
| Proof of Address | Address proof of parent or guardian |
| Passport-sized Photograph | Recent photo of the child |
How to Apply for a Blue Aadhaar Card?
You can apply for a Blue Aadhaar card at any Aadhaar Enrolment Centre across India. The process is simple and mostly offline.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Enrolment Centre.
- Fill out the enrolment form with the child’s and parent’s details.
- Submit the necessary documents including birth proof and parent’s Aadhaar.
- A photograph of the child will be taken.
- Collect the acknowledgment slip.
- Aadhaar card will be delivered via post within 90 days.
Benefits of the Blue Aadhaar for Children
The Blue Aadhaar opens access to many schemes and services specifically targeted for young children.
| Benefit Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Health Services | Enables access to government immunization programs |
| School Admission | Acts as valid ID for nursery and preschool admissions |
| Government Welfare Schemes | Required for child welfare and nutrition schemes |
| Subsidized Medical Treatments | Used in government hospitals and health centers |
| Travel ID | Can be used as identity proof while traveling with child |
| Banking | Useful for opening minor bank accounts |
| Identity for Insurance Schemes | Needed for child-focused health insurance programs |
What Happens After the Child Turns 5?
Once the child turns 5, biometric authentication becomes mandatory to continue using the Aadhaar number. Failing to update the biometrics will render the Blue Aadhaar inactive.
What to Do:
- Visit the Aadhaar Centre again after the child turns 5.
- Provide biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan).
- Update the photograph.
- New Aadhaar card (regular white version) will be issued.
Key Differences Between Blue and Regular Aadhaar
| Feature | Blue Aadhaar | Regular Aadhaar |
|---|---|---|
| Age Group | 0 to 5 years | 5 years and above |
| Card Color | Blue | White |
| Biometrics Required | No | Yes |
| Linked to Parent Aadhaar | Yes | No (for adults) |
| Update Needed | After age 5 | After age 15 and 18 |
The Blue Aadhaar is an important identity document for children below the age of 5. While it doesn’t require biometric authentication initially, it serves as a crucial link between the child and various welfare services. Parents are encouraged to register their children as early as possible to ensure smooth access to healthcare, education, and government benefits. Make sure to update the card after your child turns 5 to continue enjoying uninterrupted services.