The Karnataka state government has issued a strict directive to its Department of School Education, mandating the completion of a crucial Aadhaar update for students. The order requires that the Aadhaar Mandatory Biometric Update (Aadhaar MBU) for all students who are 5 and 15 years old must be finalized by March 1, 2025. This move aims to streamline student data and ensure uninterrupted access to government benefits.
What is the Aadhaar MBU Process?
According to guidelines from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), when a child turns 5 or 15, their biometric information must be re-registered. This involves capturing a fresh photograph, fingerprints, and scans of both irises. This step is essential for de-duplication, a process that verifies the child's unique identity while they grow. Importantly, this update is treated as a new enrolment request but the child's original Aadhaar number remains unchanged. The entire process is provided free of cost to the families.
Why is This Update So Critical?
The state administration has highlighted serious consequences for non-compliance. Students risk facing significant delays in applying for scholarships, registering for various examinations, and availing benefits under numerous central and state schemes if their Aadhaar data is not updated. To prevent such disruptions, the government has put a robust system in place, placing the onus on the education department and schools to ensure 100% adherence to the deadline.
How Will the Update Drive Be Executed?
The government has outlined a detailed plan for smooth implementation:
- School-Based Camps: Schools and colleges have been instructed to provide full cooperation for conducting special Aadhaar renewal camps on their premises.
- District-Level Committees: A committee will be formed at the district level to ensure targeted students attend the update camps on scheduled dates.
- Data-Driven Approach: UIDAI will generate and supply taluk-wise and school-wise lists of students requiring the MBU, based on the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) data.
- Strict Monitoring: The Commissioner of School Education will pass these lists to District Deputy Directors of Public Instruction, who must prepare a schedule. The Chief Executive Officer of each Zilla Panchayat is tasked with setting weekly targets and monitoring progress closely to meet the March 1 cutoff.
This coordinated effort underscores the government's focus on leveraging Aadhaar for efficient service delivery in the education sector, urging parents and institutions to act promptly.
