The Assam government has announced a major and strict policy decision aimed at controlling infiltration in the state.
In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, it was decided that Aadhaar cards will no longer be issued freely to individuals above 18 years of age.
The government says this step is necessary to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining Aadhaar, which is a key identity document in India.
Why the Assam Government Took This Decision
According to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Aadhaar card issuance in some districts of Assam has crossed 100%, which has raised serious concerns for the government.
He stated that such figures indicate possible irregularities and the need for a detailed review of Aadhaar distribution in the state.
The government believes that tightening the Aadhaar issuance process will help prevent misuse of identity documents and strengthen internal security.
Strict Verification Process for Adults Above 18
Under the new rules, people above 18 years of age will face strict scrutiny before getting an Aadhaar card.
If an adult applies for Aadhaar, the District Deputy Commissioner will first conduct a detailed verification of eligibility.
After this, a report will be sent to the state government for final approval.
Only after complete clearance from the government will the Aadhaar card be issued in such cases.
However, Aadhaar services for children under 18 years will continue as usual without any changes.
Special Considerations for Certain Communities
The government has also mentioned special provisions for tea garden workers and Scheduled Tribes, as many individuals from these communities still do not have Aadhaar cards.
At present, they have been given temporary relaxation to ensure they are not excluded from essential services.
However, Chief Minister Sarma clarified that this exemption will not be permanent.
Full Implementation from 2027
The Assam government has announced that the restriction will be fully applied to all adults, including those from tea garden and Scheduled Tribe communities, starting April 1, 2027.
Until then, the government will continue working on identifying eligible individuals and improving the verification system.
Focus on Security and Population Control
The state government says the decision is part of a broader effort to maintain security and demographic balance in Assam.
Officials believe that stricter Aadhaar controls will help reduce the chances of illegal infiltration and ensure that identity documents are issued only to eligible residents.
The move marks one of the strongest steps taken by the state in recent years regarding identity verification and population management.
