The Assam cabinet approved a revised standard operating procedure (SOP) on Thursday that will stop the issuance of Aadhaar cards to first-time adult applicants in the state, effective October 1. This move aims to combat fraudulent registrations, particularly those involving infiltrators from neighboring countries. In a media briefing following the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that citizens over 18 who have yet to enroll will have until the end of September to apply for their Aadhaar. After this period, Aadhaar enrollment will only be possible in exceptional cases, subject to approval from the deputy commissioner, who will consider reports from foreigners’ tribunals, the special branch, and district police.
The new restrictions do not apply to individuals from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and tea garden communities for one year, allowing them more time to complete their Aadhaar enrollment. Sarma mentioned that Aadhaar saturation in Assam has reached 103%, exceeding the state’s population. Among the SC, ST, and tea garden communities, enrollment coverage stands at 96%, leaving 4% still unregistered. The chief minister explained that the decision arises from a recent increase in apprehensions of Bangladeshis illegally crossing the border. He noted that just yesterday, authorities pushed back seven such individuals. “We want to create protections so that no one can enter Assam illegally and take an Aadhaar to live as Indian citizens. We want to completely close that door,” he emphasized.
This policy signifies a major shift in Assam’s identity verification approaches and reflects heightened concerns over demographic changes and national security. It indicates that Aadhaar has transformed from a simple welfare tool into a significant measure in the state’s efforts against illegal immigration. Assam’s Aadhaar policy is now the most stringent in India, driven by fears of unauthorized immigration and shifts in demographics. Other states, like Manipur, are adopting similar scrutiny measures, while metropolitan areas tend to focus on address verification and protocols for foreign nationals. The national amendments by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) aim to standardize identity verification processes but still allow states the flexibility to adapt enforcement practices.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/assam-freezes-aadhaar-for-adults-to-block-infiltrators/articleshow/123438196.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-08-22 05:31:00
