Assam Restricts Aadhaar Issuance For Above 18 Individuals Curb Illegal Immigration
Indian Express
The Assam Cabinet on Saturday decided to stop issuing Aadhaar cards to individuals above the age of 18 in a bid to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining the document. Addressing a press conference at the Cabinet meeting, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa
Sarma said Aadhaar cards would no longer be issued to adults, except in special cases. Such applications will have to be routed through the district commissioner, who will submit a proposal to the state government for approval.
“The government will then decide whether the applicant is eligible for an Aadhaar card,” Sarma said.
Stating that Aadhaar enrolment in Assam has reached saturation levels, the Chief Minister noted that Aadhaar coverage has exceeded 100 per cent in some districts.
“We must ascertain who these people are who are taking the additional Aadhaar cards. The step is being taken to ensure that no illegal Bangladeshi obtains an Aadhaar card,” he said.
Sarma, however, said members of the tea garden community and Scheduled Tribes will continue to receive Aadhaar cards, as many are yet to be enrolled.
“The exemption will remain in place until March 31, 2027. From April 1, 2027, even people from these communities above the age of 18 will no longer be issued Aadhaar cards,” he said.
Aadhaar enrolment for those below 18 years of age will continue.
Sarma had earlier said the state government would adopt a stringent approach to Aadhaar issuance and make it difficult for illegal immigrants to obtain the document.