Introduction to Blue Aadhaar Card UPSC

Welcome to PreCrack! Government of India has been introduced the Blue Aadhaar Card, also known as the Baal Aadhaar card so children below 5 years can take advantages of social welfare schemes that government introduces.

What is Blue Aadhar Card? – What is Baal Aadhaar Card?

The Blue Aadhaar, or Baal Aadhaar, is a unique ID card for children under 5 in India. Unlike the regular white adult card, it uses the color blue for easy identification and don’t need fingerprint/iris scans due to their age.

Details about Blue Aadhar Card

We have added all details about Blue Aadhaar Card below-

About Blue Aadhar Card

The Blue Aadhaar Card is a special ID card for kids under five in India. It’s in blue color instead of white like regular Aadhar Cards. It has a 12-digit number but no fingerprints or pictures. You get it from the UIDAI. This card helps kids enroll in schools and get government benefits. It started in 2018.

Why Blue Aadhaar Card called Blue Aadhaar Card?

The Blue Aadhaar Card is named for its blue color. This distinguishing it from the white Aadhar Card that is a regular card. This is also known as Baal Aadhar Card. It’s a special ID for kids under five that helping with education and benefits.

Why Blue Aadhaar Card Introduced? – Objectives of Blue Aadhar Card

These are the a few key objectives of Blue Aadhar Card –

1. The Blue Aadhaar Card was introduced to cater specifically to children under the age of five.
2. It aims to provide a unique identification mechanism for young children, distinct from the standard Aadhaar cards issued to adults.
3. The card’s introduction acknowledges the need for a special identification document for children in various administrative and social contexts.
4. It facilitates the enrollment of young children in educational institutions and ensures their access to government welfare schemes.
5. Unlike standard Aadhaar cards, the Blue Aadhaar Card does not initially collect biometric data such as fingerprints or iris scans.
6. Its introduction aligns with the government’s efforts to streamline identity documentation and welfare services for all citizens, including children.
7. The Blue Aadhaar Card serves as a crucial tool for accurately recording demographic details and ensuring targeted delivery of social benefits.
8. It simplifies administrative processes related to child welfare and education, making it easier for parents and guardians to navigate government services.
9. The introduction of the Blue Aadhaar Card reflects a proactive approach towards addressing the unique needs and challenges associated with child identification and social welfare.
10. Overall, the Blue Aadhaar Card enhances the efficiency and inclusivity of India’s identity management system by extending coverage to children from a very young age.

What are Features of Blue Aadhaar Card?

The Blue Aadhaar Card, designed for children under five, has distinct features:

1. Color Distinction: Blue color differentiates it from the standard white Aadhaar cards for adults.
2. Age Specific: Issued exclusively for children below five years of age.
3. Unique Identification Number: Contains a 12-digit unique identification number for each child.
4. Biometric Exclusion: Initially lacks biometric data collection, such as fingerprints and iris scans.
5. Parental Information: Includes relevant details like parent’s name, permanent address, and other demographic information.
6. Government Recognition: Recognized by government and private sector organizations for availing social welfare schemes and services.
7. UIDAI Issuance: Issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
8. Educational Enrollment: Facilitates school admissions and other educational processes for young children.
9. Government Benefits Access: Essential for accessing benefits and services under various government schemes.
10. Update at Age Five: Requires a visit to an enrollment center at the age of five for the collection of biometric data, including fingerprints, iris scans, and facial photographs.

Benefits of Blue Aadhar Card

You can avail these benefits from Blue Aadhar Card

1. Identification for Young Children

The Blue Aadhaar Card serves as a dedicated identification document specifically designed for children under the age of five, ensuring they have an official identity from a very early age.

2. Streamlined Educational Processes

This specialized card streamlines the enrollment process for young children in schools and other educational institutions, making it easier for parents and guardians to initiate their child’s education journey.

3. Access to Government Schemes

Children holding the Blue Aadhaar Card gain access to various government welfare schemes and benefits, contributing to their well-being and development through targeted government initiatives.

4. Accurate Demographic Records

By including essential demographic details such as parent information and permanent address, the Blue Aadhaar Card helps maintain accurate and reliable records for each child.

5. Efficient Government Services

The card simplifies administrative processes related to child welfare and education, ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of government services and support.

6. Government and Private Recognition

Recognized both by government and private sector organizations, the Blue Aadhaar Card serves as a reliable and widely accepted identity verification tool for various purposes.

7. Inclusive Identity Management

The inclusion of children in the national identity management system from an early age enhances the overall inclusivity of the system, providing a foundation for a comprehensive and accurate database.

8. Parental Information Verification

The card supports the verification of parent information, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the enrollment process and ensuring the accuracy of the provided details.

9. Smooth Transition to Standard Aadhaar

At the age of five, children with the Blue Aadhaar Card undergo a smooth transition to the standard Aadhaar card, where biometric data, including fingerprints, iris scans, and facial photographs, is collected.

10. Overall Social Welfare

The Blue Aadhaar Card contributes to the overall social welfare of children by offering them an official identity document early in life, opening doors to education and government support.

Where we can use Blue Aadhar Card?

At these places, we can use the Blue Aadhar Card –

1. Educational Institutions

The Blue Aadhaar Card can be used for enrollment in schools and educational institutions, streamlining the admission process for children under the age of five.

2. Government Welfare Schemes

It serves as a key document for accessing various government welfare schemes and benefits designed for young children, ensuring they receive targeted support.

3. Healthcare Services

The card may be required for availing healthcare services and benefits provided by the government, contributing to the well-being of children.

4. Identity Verification

The Blue Aadhaar Card is recognized by both government and private sector organizations as a valid identification document, facilitating identity verification processes for various services.

5. Government and Official Transactions

Parents or guardians may use the Blue Aadhaar Card for official transactions involving government agencies, ensuring the child’s identity is verified in relevant administrative processes.

Which Government Schemes are applicable for Blue Aadhaar Card

The Blue Aadhaar Card, while not directly providing access to government schemes, plays a pivotal role as a vital identification tool, linking children under 5 to their parents’ Aadhaar. This linkage is instrumental in enabling eligible families to access various beneficial government programs. Here’s a glimpse into some key schemes where a Blue Aadhaar Card proves valuable:

Health Schemes:-

1. Ayushman Bharat Yojana (ABY)

Ensures cashless health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for BPL families and those already covered by state health insurance schemes.

2. Matru Vandana Yojana

Offers a Rs. 5,000 cash incentive to pregnant and lactating mothers, promoting nutritional well-being and reducing infant mortality.

3. Indira Gandhi National Child Health Programme (IGNCOP)

Provides essential child health services, including immunization, growth monitoring, and nutritional counseling.

Education Schemes:-

1. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

Strives for universal elementary education by providing free and compulsory education to children aged 6-14.

2. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)

Offers financial assistance to states and UTs to enhance access to quality secondary education.

3. Mid-Day Meal Scheme

Ensures the provision of cooked midday meals to children in government and government-aided schools.

Other Schemes:-

1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

Facilitates access to bank accounts, debit cards, and overdraft facilities for financially vulnerable sections of society.

2. Ujjwala Yojana

Provides free LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.

3. Anganwadi Services

Delivers a range of services to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 6, including nutritional support, health checkups, and early childhood education.

How to Apply for Blue Aadhaar Card? – Application Process of Blue Aadhaar Card

To apply for a Blue Aadhaar Card for children under five, follow these steps:

Step-1: Visit UIDAI Website

Parents initiate the registration process by visiting the official UIDAI website.

Step-2: Select Aadhaar Card Registration

Head to the Aadhaar card registration option available on the website.

Step-3: Enter Child’s Details

Provide necessary details, including the child’s name and parent’s phone number, during the online registration process.

Step-4: Choose Enrollment Centre Slot

Select a convenient time slot for a visit to the UIDAI enrollment center. This step is crucial for the next phase of the application process.

Step-5: Visit Enrollment Centre with Child

Visit the chosen enrollment center along with the child. This physical visit is necessary for the completion of the application.

Step-6: Biometric Data Collection

At the enrollment center, a picture of the child is taken for the Blue Aadhaar Card. Additionally, the parent’s information, along with the Aadhaar card, address proof, and the child’s birth certificate, is verified.

Step-7: Verification Process

Once the provided information is verified, a confirmation message is sent to the parent’s registered mobile number.

Step-8: Acknowledgment Slip Issuance

Parents are issued an acknowledgment slip, serving as confirmation of the successful application.

Step-9: Card Issuance

The Blue Aadhaar Card is issued in the child’s name within approximately 60 days (about 2 months) from the date of successful verification.

Step-10: Biometric Update at Age Five

Children with existing Blue Aadhaar Cards are required to visit their nearest enrollment center once they turn five. During this visit, biometric data, including ten fingerprints, iris scans, and facial photographs, is collected to update the card.

1. Anganwadi Services:

The flagship Anganwadi Services scheme offers a comprehensive package of health, nutrition, and early childhood education services. Operating through a national network of Anganwadi centers, it provides supplementary nutrition, health services, and early childhood education to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 6.

2. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS):

ICDS holistically addresses the developmental needs of children under 6 by converging various services. It combines Anganwadi services with health, nutrition, water and sanitation, and education, ensuring a comprehensive approach to child welfare.

3. Mid-Day Meal Scheme:

This scheme focuses on providing free, hot, cooked meals to children in government and government-aided schools, aiming to improve nutritional status, reduce hunger, and promote school enrollment and attendance.

4. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA):

SSA strives for universal elementary education, offering free and compulsory education to children aged 6-14. It emphasizes enhancing access, infrastructure, quality, and equity in elementary education.

5. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA):

RMSA provides financial assistance to states and UTs to enhance access to quality secondary education. It focuses on improving infrastructure, teacher training, and enrollment rates in secondary schools.

6. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP):

BBBP addresses the declining child sex ratio, empowering girls through education and societal participation. It ensures a supportive environment for girls and promotes their equal access to education, healthcare, and opportunities.

7. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY):

SSY is a government-backed savings scheme encouraging parents or guardians to invest in their girl child’s future. With attractive interest rates and tax benefits, it promotes saving for the girl’s education and marriage.

8. Balika Samriddhi Yojana:

This scholarship scheme provides financial assistance to girls from disadvantaged families studying from Class 1 to Class 12, aiming to improve enrollment and retention rates in schools.

9. National Child Labour Project (NCLP):

NCLP focuses on withdrawing children from hazardous occupations and integrating them into formal education. It provides bridge education, vocational training, and stipends to support children and their families during the transition.

10. National Scheme for Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education:

This scheme offers financial incentives to economically weaker section girls who enroll and complete secondary education (Class 9-12), promoting their continued education.

The difference between Blue Aadhaar Card & Normal Aadhar Card

You can distinguish between Blue Aadhaar Card or Baal Aadhar Card & Normal Aadhar Card in this way-

Difference between Blue Aadhaar Card & PVC Card

We have also added the Difference between Blue Aadhaar Card & PVC Card below-

Key Facts about Blue Aadhaar Card

These key facts can be consider crucial points for Blue Aadhar Card-

FAQs on Blue Aadhaar Card – UPSC Questions on Blue Aadhaar Card

Question-1: What is a Blue Aadhaar Card?

Answer. The Blue Aadhaar Card is an identification document specifically issued for children under the age of five, providing a unique identification number without initially recording biometric data.

Question-2: How is the Blue Aadhaar Card different from the standard Aadhaar Card?

Answer. Unlike the standard Aadhaar Card, the Blue Aadhaar Card is tailored for young children, omitting the collection of biometric data initially.

Question-3: What is the purpose of the Blue Aadhaar Card?

Answer. The primary purpose is to serve as a unique identification document for children under five, facilitating processes such as school admission and access to government schemes.

Question-4: When was the Blue Aadhaar Card introduced?

Answer. The Blue Aadhaar Card was introduced in 2018 to address the identification needs of young children.

Question-5: What information is recorded on the Blue Aadhaar Card?

Answer. The card contains a 12-digit unique identification number for the child, along with details such as the parent’s name and address.

Question-6: Can the Blue Aadhaar Card be used for government schemes?

Answer. Yes, the Blue Aadhaar Card is eligible for specific government welfare schemes designed for children in the targeted age group.

Question-7: How do parents apply for a Blue Aadhaar Card for their child?

Answer. Parents can apply by visiting the UIDAI website, completing the registration process, and visiting the UIDAI enrollment center with the necessary documents.

Question-8: Is there a need to update the Blue Aadhaar Card at a certain age?

Answer. Yes, children with a Blue Aadhaar Card are required to visit the enrollment center once they turn five for the collection of biometric data.

Question-9: What is the significance of the Blue color in the Aadhaar Card?

Answer. The Blue color distinguishes the card for children from the standard white Aadhaar Card issued to adults.

Question-10: How long does it take to receive the Blue Aadhaar Card after application?

Answer. The card is typically issued in the child’s name within approximately 60 days (about 2 months) of successful verification.