The Assam government has announced strict new Aadhaar card rules to stop illegal immigrants, especially suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators, from obtaining Indian identity documents.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement after a state cabinet meeting held on Saturday.
According to the Chief Minister, some districts in Assam have an unusually high number of Aadhaar card holders.
In certain areas, the number of Aadhaar holders is reportedly higher than the total population, raising concerns about possible misuse of the system.
Adults Will No Longer Get Aadhaar Through Normal Process
Under the new rules, people above 18 years of age will not be able to obtain a new Aadhaar card through the regular application process.
If an adult urgently needs an Aadhaar card, the District Commissioner must send a special proposal to the state government. The Aadhaar card can only be issued after receiving official approval.
However, a few groups have been temporarily exempted from these restrictions.
Tea garden communities, Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and persons with disabilities can still apply for Aadhaar cards because many people from these groups have not yet received one.
Children below the age of 18 will also continue to receive Aadhaar cards as usual.
The Assam government has clarified that these exemptions will end on April 1, 2027. After that date, adults from these categories will also need special approval to obtain a new Aadhaar card.
Government Wants to Verify Extra Aadhaar Holders
The Chief Minister said the government is concerned because the number of Aadhaar card holders in some districts appears to be higher than the actual population.
Officials now plan to closely examine these cases and identify who the additional Aadhaar holders are.
The move is part of the state’s broader effort to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining official Indian documents.
New Rural Employment Scheme From July 1
Along with the Aadhaar changes, the Assam government has also announced a new rural employment initiative.
The state will implement the VB-G RAM G Act framework from July 1 to strengthen the rural economy.
A budget of ₹2,000 crore has been allocated for the scheme.
Under the program, rural residents will receive up to 125 days of wage employment. The government says the scheme will not only create jobs but also help build permanent public assets and improve infrastructure in villages across the state.
