Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU)
Why in News?
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has achieved a major milestone by successfully completing over 2 crore (20 million) Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for school children across India.
About
- Definition: It is the compulsory refreshment of an individual's biometric data—including fingerprints, iris scans, and an updated photograph—in the Aadhaar database.
- Target Audience: It is specifically targeted at children as they transition through major growth phases.
Why is MBU Required for Children?
- Developing Features: When an Aadhaar is made for a child below 5 years, only demographic details and a photograph are captured. Fingerprints and iris scans are omitted because they are not yet fully developed.
- Biometric Changes: As children grow, their facial features and fingerprints change significantly, requiring a refresh to maintain data accuracy.
- First MBU: Must be conducted when the child attains 5 years of age.
- Second MBU: Must be conducted when the child attains 15 years of age.
- Deactivation Risk: If the first MBU is not completed before the child reaches 7 years of age, their Aadhaar number may be deactivated under existing rules.
Fee Structure & Special Exemptions
- Standard Rules: Legally, MBU is free if completed between 5–7 years and 15–17 years. Delaying it beyond age 7 normally attracts a ₹100 penalty fee.
- Current Special Waiver: To ease compliance, UIDAI waived charges for the intermediate 7–15 age group.
- Current Status: Consequently, MBU is 100% free of cost for all children aged 5–17 years until the September 30, 2026 deadline.
- Academic Exams: Outdated biometrics lead to fingerprint or iris authentication failures during registrations and entry verification for competitive national exams like NEET, JEE, and CUET.
- Government Benefits: It ensures uninterrupted access to welfare programs, school admissions, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scholarships.
How and Where to Complete MBU?
- School Camps: Parents can take advantage of ongoing, coordinated biometric drives happening directly within state and union territory schools.
- Permanent Centres: Updates can be done by visiting any designated Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrollment facility.
- Location Finder: Center addresses can be tracked online using the government's official Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal.
- Reminders: UIDAI is actively broadcasting automated SMS notifications to mobile numbers linked with children's Aadhaar accounts to prompt immediate updates.
