Aadhaar, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), serves as a vital identity document for residents of India. While Aadhaar enrolment is common for adults, it is equally important for children. This article provides a comprehensive guide on Aadhaar for children, including enrolment procedures, required documents, and the process for linking it with PAN.
Importance of Aadhaar for Children
Aadhaar for children plays a significant role in simplifying identity verification and availing government benefits. Some of the key reasons for enrolling children in Aadhaar include:
- Access to Government Schemes: Many social welfare programs and subsidies require Aadhaar as proof of identity.
- Simplified School Admissions: Aadhaar helps streamline admission processes in schools and educational institutions.
- Financial Inclusion: It facilitates the opening of bank accounts and access to other financial services.
- Future Linking: Aadhaar becomes essential for linking with PAN and other official documents once the child reaches adulthood.
Eligibility for Aadhaar Enrolment in Children
Aadhaar can be issued to children of any age. However, the process varies depending on whether the child is under five years of age or older:
- Children Below 5 Years: Enrolment requires parents or guardians to provide their own Aadhaar details along with the child’s proof of birth.
- Children Aged 5-15 Years: The child’s biometric data, including fingerprints and iris scans, are collected. Parental consent is mandatory.
- Children Above 15 Years: Standard Aadhaar enrolment applies, with the child’s own biometric and demographic information collected.
Documents Required for Aadhaar Enrolment
The enrolment process for children requires specific documents, which serve as proof of identity and proof of address.
Documents for Children Below 5 Years:
- Proof of Date of Birth (Birth Certificate issued by municipal authorities or hospital)
- Parent’s Aadhaar Card
- Proof of Residence of Parent/Guardian
Documents for Children Aged 5-15 Years:
- Birth Certificate
- Parent/Guardian Aadhaar
- Address Proof of Parent/Guardian (Passport, Voter ID, utility bill, or bank statement)
Documents for Children Above 15 Years:
- Birth Certificate or School ID
- Address Proof (if different from parents)
- Parent/Guardian Aadhaar for verification
Aadhaar Enrolment Process for Children
The enrolment process for children is straightforward and can be completed at authorized Aadhaar centres.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Locate an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre: Visit the UIDAI website or use their app to find the nearest enrolment centre.
- Fill Enrolment Form: Complete the form with the child’s details and parent/guardian information.
- Submit Documents: Provide the required documents for verification.
- Biometric Capture:
- For children under 5, biometric data is not collected, but photographs are taken.
- For children above 5, fingerprints and iris scans are recorded.
- Acknowledgment Receipt: Receive a slip containing the Enrolment ID, which can be used to track Aadhaar status.
- Aadhaar Generation: Aadhaar is generated and sent to the registered address via post, or can be downloaded online as an e-Aadhaar.
Linking Aadhaar with PAN for Children
While PAN cards are generally issued to individuals above 18, linking Aadhaar with PAN becomes essential once the child reaches legal age or starts earning.
- Purpose: Linking Aadhaar with PAN ensures seamless tax compliance and avoids penalties.
- Procedure:
- Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.
- Log in or register using PAN.
- Enter Aadhaar details in the designated section.
- Verify details and submit.
- Verification: The system automatically verifies the Aadhaar number with UIDAI before linking.
Benefits of Early Aadhaar Enrolment
Enrolling children in Aadhaar early has multiple benefits:
- Facilitates easy access to government welfare schemes.
- Simplifies financial inclusion, such as opening bank accounts for minors.
- Reduces future bureaucratic hurdles when linking with PAN or other official documents.
- Serves as a reliable identity proof for school admissions, travel documents, and healthcare.
Overview Table
| Age Group | Documents Required | Biometric Data | Parent/Guardian Consent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 Years | Birth Certificate, Parent Aadhaar, Address Proof | No | Required | Only photograph is captured |
| 5-15 Years | Birth Certificate, Parent Aadhaar, Address Proof | Yes | Required | Biometric data collected |
| Above 15 Years | Birth Certificate/School ID, Address Proof | Yes | Optional | Standard Aadhaar enrolment applies |
| Aadhaar-PAN Link | PAN Card, Aadhaar | N/A | N/A | Required when filing taxes or earning |
| Benefits | Access to schemes, banking, ID proof | N/A | N/A | Simplifies future financial and official processes |
Conclusion
Aadhaar for children is a crucial step toward ensuring a secure identity and access to essential services. Early enrolment simplifies processes for school admissions, financial inclusion, and future linkage with PAN. Parents should ensure that all required documents are accurate and that the enrolment is completed at authorized centres to avoid complications later.
FAQs
Q1. Can a newborn be enrolled for Aadhaar?
Yes, children of any age, including newborns, can be enrolled for Aadhaar with parental consent.
Q2. Is biometric data mandatory for children under 5 years?
No, only a photograph is required; biometric data is collected when the child is 5 years or older.
Q3. When should a child’s Aadhaar be linked with PAN?
Aadhaar should be linked with PAN once the child starts earning or files income tax.