UIDAI Partners with Research Consultancy BIT to Promote Aadhaar Updates Among Children

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has entered into a partnership with Behavioural Insights Ltd. (BIT), a research consultancy, to encourage timely biometric updates in Aadhaar cards for children and youth. The initiative aims to help young Aadhaar holders maintain access to essential public services that rely on accurate identification.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Tanushree Deb Burman, DDG of UIDAI, and Ravi Gurumurthy, Group CEO of BIT, in the presence of Bhavesh Kumar, CEO of UIDAI, along with other senior members of the organization’s leadership team.

According to official sources, the agreement focuses on promoting Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for children at the ages of 5 and 15, while addressing behavioral, informational, and awareness-related barriers that often delay the process. The goal is to ensure seamless access to services and benefits linked with Aadhaar.

The Ministry stated that customized behavioral interventions will be designed, tested, and implemented to increase awareness and participation in the Aadhaar MBU program.

Speaking at the event, UIDAI CEO Bhavesh Kumar said, “When technology is combined with human behavior, digital identity evolves beyond a technical process to become a more intuitive, trusted, and empowering experience. Through this MoU, we aim to achieve that positive transformation.”

BIT CEO Rachel Coyl added that evidence-based insights into human behavior could help drive timely Aadhaar updates and enable smoother access to essential government services for all Aadhaar holders.

Under UIDAI’s guidelines, a child’s Aadhaar card requires biometric updates (fingerprints and photographs) at the ages of 5 and 15. The UIDAI has waived all MBU fees for children aged 7 to 15, a move expected to benefit nearly 6 crore children across India.