India: Aadhaar ID to soon be issued along with birth certificates

All birth certificates issued in India will soon come with an Aadhaar ID, with several states planning to issue both documents simultaneously.

According to the Times of India, the child's fingerprints and biometric data will be filed once they turn five; biometrics will be updated once they turn 15.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which issues the Aadhaar Card, is encouraging cardholders to update their details voluntarily. Officials especially urge those who have moved to a new address or changed their phone number since they first registered to do so.

Additionally, Aadhaar holders who were issued the unique ID more than 10 years ago but have not updated their details since are being urged to update their identification and residence proof documents.

Cardholders can update their details using the mAadhaar app or at an Aadhaar centre near them for Rs50. However, additional security will be required in the cases of those wanting to update biometrics.

The Aadhaar programme establishes identification through the iris, fingerprint and photographs.

Over the last 10 years, the Aadhaar number has emerged as a source of identification for individuals, the statement said. The Aadhaar number is used in different government schemes and services.