GUWAHATI, June 27: In a significant move aimed at tightening identity verification and curbing illegal immigration, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that Aadhaar cards for adult citizens in the state will soon be issued exclusively through the offices of Deputy Commissioners (DCs).
The new directive, which will replace the current system of Aadhaar issuance through Common Service Centers (CSCs) and third-party vendors, is intended to strengthen scrutiny and prevent fraudulent registrations by illegal immigrants.
“Very soon, we will implement a decision where Aadhaar cards to adult citizens will be issued only by DCs. This will ensure that no illegal immigrant can get an Aadhaar made and we can track and push them back easily,” CM Sarma posted on X.
Sarma emphasized that the overhaul is part of Assam’s broader effort to plug systemic loopholes that have, in the past, enabled foreign nationals—especially from Bangladesh—to obtain Indian identity documents.
The Chief Minister further informed that on Thursday night alone, authorities apprehended and pushed back 20 Bangladeshi nationals as part of the state’s ongoing campaign against illegal infiltration. “The decision to toughen Aadhaar issuance rules will only aid our efforts in this direction,” he said.
Aadhaar, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is a 12-digit biometric identity number that serves as crucial proof of identity and residence across the country.
Officials believe that shifting Aadhaar issuance responsibilities to DC offices will facilitate enhanced verification of documents and eliminate the risks associated with third-party data handling.
