LUCKNOW: Children of state-run schools in UP will get to learn about Aadhaar, the 12-digit unique identification number that serves as identity and address proof for residents of India, from the next academic session.
The basic education department has, in principle, agreed with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Lucknow to include a chapter on Aadhaar in the school textbooks.
In a recent meeting with UIDAI officials, director general school education Vijay Kiran Anand sought a formal proposal for inclusion of Aadhaar and related information in order to take necessary approval from the government.
\u201cGeneral information on Aadhaar such as its benefits and usages should be known to children. We will implement Aadhaar related information in our textbooks from next academic session,\u201d said Anand.
Officials said a similar pattern exists in Punjab. The chapter on Aadhaar includes its enrolment process, cost, salient features and authentication.
The UIDAI officials have even prepared a document titled \u2018Mera Aadhaar, Meri Pehchaan\u2019, in which a dialogue between two students highlighting the need and benefits of Aadhaar are listed.
Deputy director general, UIDAI Lucknow, Lt Col Prashant Kumar Singh said: \u201cIt is necessary for kids to be made aware about the process of Aadhaar enrolment of children which is different from adults. By including a chapter in textbooks, it is our attempt to make them aware of Aadhaar, its usage and features. This is also important as children benefit from several government schemes like free uniforms, mid-day meal through Aadhaar details.\u201d
Singh said biometrics are not captured for Aadhaar enrolment of children under the age of five.
\u201cAs a result, biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans are not included in a child\u2019s Aadhaar database. Once the child attains five years of age, it becomes mandatory for them to update their biometrics in the Aadhaar,\u201d he said.
The UIDAI team has also given an option of printing the Aadhaar details on the inside cover pages of school textbooks and notebooks, if a full-fledged chapter can\u2019t be added.<\/div>\n