How Will UIDAI Leverage Behavioural Insights to Promote MBU Adoption Among Children?
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Synopsis
UIDAI is shifting its approach to enhance the adoption of Mandatory Biometric Updates among children by utilizing behavioural insights. Partnering with Behavioural Insights Limited, the initiative aims to eliminate barriers that hinder timely updates, ensuring children have seamless access to essential services linked to Aadhaar.
Key Takeaways
- UIDAI is utilizing behavioural insights to promote MBU among children.
- Partnership with BIT aims to remove barriers to biometric updates.
- MBU is crucial for children at ages 5 and 15.
- All fees for MBU have been waived for children aged 7-15.
- Approximately 6 crore children will benefit from this initiative.
New Delhi, Nov 11 (NationPress) The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) announced on Tuesday its strategy to utilize behavioural insights to promote the uptake of Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU), following the removal of all fees associated with MBU for children.
To facilitate this initiative, UIDAI has joined forces with the research consultancy Behavioural Insights Limited (BIT) to assist children and young individuals in accessing essential services through the prompt updating of biometrics in their Aadhaar.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to boost MBU for children aged 5 to 15 years, while addressing behavioural, logistical, and awareness hurdles to guarantee timely updates, thus ensuring smooth access to services and benefits linked to Aadhaar.
The IT Ministry stated, “Tailored behavioural interventions will be crafted, tested, and executed to promote Aadhaar MBU updates.”
Bhuvnesh Kumar, CEO of UIDAI, remarked, “When technology aligns with human behaviour, digital identity transforms from a mere technical procedure into a more fluid, trustworthy, and empowering experience. Through this MoU, we aspire to realize this impact.”
Rachel Coyle, CEO of BIT, emphasized that a new evidence-based grasp of human behaviour can significantly enhance Aadhaar updates, enabling holders to access vital public services.
Upon enrollment in Aadhaar, a child must update their biometrics (fingerprint, iris, and photo) upon reaching 5 years of age and once more at 15 years.
UIDAI is persistently striving to improve MBU adoption among the targeted demographics.
In a pro-people initiative, UIDAI has eliminated all costs for MBU for the 7-15 age group, benefiting approximately 6 crore children.
This waiver of MBU fees for the specified age range commenced on October 1, 2025, and will remain in effect for one year.
Point of View
UIDAI's initiative to harness behavioural insights for facilitating Aadhaar updates is a commendable move towards inclusivity. By addressing the barriers faced by children and their families, UIDAI is taking a significant step to ensure every child can access essential public services, reinforcing the trust in digital identity systems across India.
NationPress
29/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU)?
Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) refers to the requirement for Aadhaar holders, especially children, to update their biometric data (fingerprint, iris, and photo) at specific ages to ensure accurate identification.
Why has UIDAI partnered with Behavioural Insights Limited?
UIDAI has partnered with Behavioural Insights Limited to utilize their expertise in understanding human behaviour, aiming to improve the adoption rates of MBU among children.
What are the age requirements for Aadhaar biometric updates?
Children must update their Aadhaar biometrics upon turning 5 years old and then again at 15 years old.
What benefits does waiving MBU fees provide?
Waiving MBU fees for children aged 7 to 15 aims to remove financial barriers, promoting timely updates and ensuring access to essential public services.
How long will the waiver of MBU charges last?
The waiver of MBU charges for the specified age group commenced on October 1, 2025, and will remain effective for one year.
