The Assam government has taken a significant step in tightening the issuance of Aadhaar cards, particularly targeting the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday that people above 18 years of age will not be eligible for first-time Aadhaar cards in Assam, with certain exceptions.

The decision comes after a state cabinet meeting and is seen as part of Assam’s broader strategy to ensure identity authenticity and curb illegal migration. According to Sarma, only a one-month application window will be available for those above 18 years who still do not possess Aadhaar. Beyond this period, no new first-time Aadhaar will be issued to adults, except for certain categories.

Exceptions for marginalized groups

The Chief Minister clarified that tea tribe communities, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) above 18 years will continue to be eligible for Aadhaar card issuance for another year. This concession is aimed at ensuring inclusivity for marginalized groups while maintaining strict identity verification measures for the broader population.

Assam’s reasoning behind the move

The primary objective of this restriction is to prevent illegal immigrants from Bangladesh from obtaining Aadhaar and thereby gaining access to rights and entitlements reserved for Indian citizens. Sarma noted that in the last one year, there have been increasing concerns about undocumented individuals attempting to misuse Aadhaar as a proof of identity.

The Chief Minister stressed that most adults in Assam already possess Aadhaar cards, and therefore the issuance of fresh Aadhaar cards for adults is largely unnecessary. He pointed out that children and newborns will continue to require Aadhaar enrollment, which will remain unaffected by this new policy.

Role of District Commissioners under consideration

Earlier, Sarma had mentioned that the Assam government is considering giving District Commissioners the authority to approve or reject Aadhaar applications for individuals above 18 years of age. This would act as an additional safeguard to prevent unauthorized or suspicious applications from being processed.

Balancing identity security and inclusivity

The Chief Minister emphasized that the measure was not aimed at depriving genuine citizens but was a necessary step to maintain demographic balance and security. By continuing Aadhaar issuance for tea tribes, SCs, and STs for a year, the government seeks to strike a balance between security concerns and social justice.

Aadhaar’s role in citizenship debates in Assam

The decision is particularly significant in Assam, a state that has long been at the center of citizenship and migration debates due to its geographical proximity to Bangladesh. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise, which sought to identify illegal immigrants in Assam, remains a politically and socially sensitive subject. Aadhaar, though not a proof of citizenship, has often been used as a key document in accessing welfare schemes, subsidies, and government services.

Restricting Aadhaar issuance to adults is therefore seen as an attempt by the Assam government to prevent undocumented migrants from using it as a gateway to access state and central welfare benefits.

Political and social implications

The move is expected to trigger political debates. Supporters argue that this step is crucial for protecting the rights of genuine citizens and preventing illegal migration, while critics may raise concerns about potential exclusion of vulnerable groups who might face difficulties in accessing Aadhaar within the restricted timeframes.

Conclusion

Assam’s new Aadhaar policy underscores the state’s continued emphasis on identity verification and security concerns tied to illegal immigration. By restricting Aadhaar issuance for adults while providing temporary relief for tea tribes, SCs, and STs, the government aims to balance the demands of inclusivity with national security imperatives.

The decision marks a significant shift in Aadhaar policy implementation at the state level, and its impact will be closely watched in the coming months, particularly given Assam’s sensitive socio-political context.

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