Jagatsinghpur: The Jagatsinghpur district administration has directed all Block Education Officers (BEOs) to expedite the organisation of Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) camps to ensure that every eligible school-going child has an updated Aadhaar record.
The directive, issued by the Office of the Collector and District Magistrate on Wednesday, follows concerns over the slow pace of Aadhaar biometric updates across the district and delays by several blocks in submitting camp schedules.
According to an official communication issued by the Additional District Magistrate, Aadhaar’s Mandatory Biometric Update is compulsory for children upon attaining the ages of five and fifteen years. The update is essential to maintain the validity of Aadhaar and facilitate seamless authentication for school examinations, scholarship schemes, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) benefits and other student welfare programmes.
The administration noted that the progress of MBU implementation in Jagatsinghpur has remained below expectations, with several blocks yet to submit approved camp schedules. The delay has affected the deployment of Aadhaar operators by the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) and the issuance of necessary approvals by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
To clear the backlog, all BEOs have been instructed to prepare block-wise and cluster-wise camp schedules using the pending MBU data available on the UDISE+ application. The schedules must be submitted to OCAC at least five days before the proposed camp dates to facilitate the timely deployment of Aadhaar operators and obtain the required administrative approvals.
The BEOs have also been directed to share the approved camp schedules with OCAC and the district administration through the designated email addresses without delay. They have been asked to create awareness among headmasters, teachers, parents and students about the importance of Aadhaar biometric updates and the availability of free MBU services for eligible children between the ages of five and 17 years till September 30, 2026, in accordance with UIDAI guidelines.
The administration has further instructed officials to coordinate closely with Aadhaar operators, system integrators and school authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of the camps. BEOs have been asked to personally monitor the progress of the camps and submit periodic progress reports to the district administration.
The communication stated that the Government of Odisha is closely monitoring the progress of the Mandatory Biometric Update programme. It warned that any delay in the submission of camp schedules or implementation of the camps would be viewed seriously and urged all concerned officials to accord top priority to the exercise.
Marked as “Most Urgent,” the directive underscores the State Government’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible child possesses an updated Aadhaar record for uninterrupted access to educational and welfare benefits.
