What is Blue Aadhaar?
How To Apply - Step-By-Step Guide
Writen By;Gurmail Rakhra,RakhraBlogs,Follow
## Introduction
In today's digital age, identification documents play a crucial role in accessing various services and benefits. In India, the Aadhaar card has become one of the most important identification documents, serving as a unique identity proof for residents. Recently, the introduction of the Blue Aadhaar has garnered significant attention. This comprehensive guide aims to explain "What is Blue Aadhaar? How To Apply - Step-By-Step Guide" in detail, ensuring you have all the information needed to navigate the application process smoothly.
## What is Blue Aadhaar?
Blue Aadhaar, also known as Baal Aadhaar, is a unique identification card issued to children below the age of five. Unlike the regular Aadhaar card, which is white in colour, the Blue Aadhaar is distinctively blue, making it easily identifiable. This card is part of the Indian government's initiative to bring every citizen under a unified identification system from an early age, ensuring that children can also benefit from various government schemes and services.
The Blue Aadhaar serves as a preliminary identification for children and includes the child’s demographic details along with a photograph. It does not include biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans, which are collected once the child turns five. At that point, the Blue Aadhaar is updated to a regular Aadhaar card.
## Importance of Blue Aadhaar
Understanding "What is Blue Aadhaar? How To Apply - Step-By-Step Guide" starts with recognizing its importance. The Blue Aadhaar card is crucial for several reasons:
1. **Early Access to Services:** It ensures that children can access essential services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare schemes.
2. **Streamlined Identification:** Having a Blue Aadhaar helps in creating a streamlined identification process for children, making it easier for parents to enroll them in schools and other institutions.
3. **Foundational Identity:** It lays the foundation for a seamless transition to the regular Aadhaar card, ensuring continuity in identity verification.
4. **Government Benefits:** Many government schemes, such as immunization programs and nutritional benefits, are linked to the Aadhaar system, ensuring that children are not left out.
## How to Apply for Blue Aadhaar: Step-By-Step Guide
Now that you understand "What is Blue Aadhaar? How To Apply - Step-By-Step Guide," let's delve into the application process. Applying for a Blue Aadhaar is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail to ensure all information is correctly submitted. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
### Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting the application process, ensure you have the necessary documents ready. These include:
- **Birth Certificate of the Child:** This serves as proof of the child's age and identity.
- **Aadhaar Card of One Parent:** The Aadhaar card of either parent is required to link the child's Aadhaar to the family.
- **Proof of Address:** Documents such as utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreements can be used to establish proof of address.
- **Proof of Relationship:** This can be the birth certificate or any other document that establishes the relationship between the child and the parent.
### Step 2: Locate the Nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre
To apply for a Blue Aadhaar, you need to visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre. You can locate the nearest centre by visiting the official UIDAI website (https://uidai.gov.in) and using the 'Locate Enrolment Centre' feature.
### Step 3: Fill Out the Enrolment Form
Once at the enrolment centre, you will be required to fill out an Aadhaar enrolment form. Ensure all details are accurately entered, including the child's name, date of birth, and address. The form will also require details of one parent's Aadhaar number for authentication.
### Step 4: Document Verification
Submit the filled-out form along with the necessary documents to the operator at the enrolment centre. The operator will verify the documents to ensure they are authentic and match the details provided in the form.
### Step 5: Photograph Capture
Since biometric data is not collected for children under five, the enrolment process includes taking a photograph of the child. Ensure that the child is present at the enrolment centre for this step.
### Step 6: Acknowledgement Receipt
After completing the enrolment process, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt containing a 14-digit enrolment number. This number can be used to track the status of your application online.
### Step 7: Tracking Application Status
You can track the status of your Blue Aadhaar application by visiting the UIDAI website and entering the enrolment number provided in the acknowledgement receipt.
### Step 8: Receiving the Blue Aadhaar
Once the application is processed, the Blue Aadhaar card will be generated and sent to your registered address via post. The entire process typically takes a few weeks, so ensure to check the status regularly.
## Updating Blue Aadhaar to Regular Aadhaar
As part of understanding "What is Blue Aadhaar? How To Apply - Step-By-Step Guide," it's essential to know the process of updating Blue Aadhaar to a regular Aadhaar once the child turns five. This involves the following steps:
1. **Visit the Enrolment Centre:** Once the child turns five, visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre.
2. **Biometric Data Collection:** The child’s biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) will be collected.
3. **Updating Information:** Ensure all demographic details are updated accurately.
4. **Aadhaar Update Receipt:** After updating, you will receive a receipt with an update request number, which can be used to track the status.
5. **Receiving Updated Aadhaar:** The updated Aadhaar card will be sent to your address.
## Benefits of Blue Aadhaar
The Blue Aadhaar card offers several benefits, enhancing the quality of life for children and their families. Understanding these benefits is key to appreciating "What is Blue Aadhaar? How To Apply - Step-By-Step Guide."
### Access to Healthcare
With a Blue Aadhaar, children can easily access various healthcare services, including immunization programs and health check-ups. It ensures that children receive timely medical attention and preventive care, which is crucial for their growth and development.
### Educational Enrollment
The Blue Aadhaar simplifies the process of enrolling children in schools and educational institutions. It serves as a valid proof of identity and age, making it easier for parents to complete the admission process.
### Government Schemes and Benefits
Many government schemes, such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and mid-day meal programs, require Aadhaar authentication. With a Blue Aadhaar, children can benefit from these schemes, ensuring their nutritional and educational needs are met.
### Identity Verification
Having a Blue Aadhaar ensures that children have a verified identity from an early age. This helps in maintaining accurate records and facilitates easy transition to the regular Aadhaar card, ensuring continuity in identity verification.
## Common FAQs About Blue Aadhaar
As we explore "What is Blue Aadhaar? How To Apply - Step-By-Step Guide," it is essential to address some common questions that parents might have.
### Is Blue Aadhaar Mandatory?
While it is not mandatory, having a Blue Aadhaar is highly beneficial as it helps in accessing various services and schemes. It also ensures that children have a verified identity from an early age.
### Can I Apply for Blue Aadhaar Online?
The enrolment process for Blue Aadhaar requires the physical presence of the child at the enrolment centre for photograph capture. Therefore, it cannot be completed entirely online.
### What is the Validity of Blue Aadhaar?
The Blue Aadhaar is valid until the child turns five years old. After that, it needs to be updated to a regular Aadhaar card by adding biometric data.
### Is There Any Fee for Applying for Blue Aadhaar?
The application for Blue Aadhaar is free of cost. There are no charges for enrolment or updating the card.
### How Long Does it Take to Receive the Blue Aadhaar?
Typically, it takes a few weeks for the Blue Aadhaar card to be processed and delivered to your registered address. You can track the status of your application online using the enrolment number.
## Conclusion
In summary, understanding "What is Blue Aadhaar? How To Apply - Step-By-Step Guide" is crucial for parents who want to ensure their children have access to essential services and benefits. The Blue Aadhaar card is a vital document that provides a unique identity to children under five, enabling them to access healthcare, education, and various government schemes. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can smoothly navigate the application process and secure a Blue Aadhaar for your child, setting a strong foundation for their future.
## Additional Tips for Parents
To make the application process even smoother, here are some additional tips for parents:
**Prepare in Advance:** Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready before visiting the enrolment centre.
- **Choose Off-Peak Hours:** Visit the enrolment centre during off-peak hours to avoid long queues and wait times.
- **Keep Track of the Application:** Use the enrolment number to regularly check the status of your application.
- **Update Details Promptly:** If there are any changes in address or contact details, update them promptly to avoid any delays in receiving the Blue Aadhaar card.
By being well-prepared and informed, you can ensure a hassle-free experience when applying for your child's Blue Aadhaar.