Guwahati, August 22: In a major move aimed at curbing illegal immigration, the Assam cabinet has decided that no new Aadhaar cards will be issued to residents above 18 years of age in the state. The rule will come into effect from the first week of October, following a formal government notification.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the decision was taken both because the state has largely achieved Aadhaar saturation and as a safeguard against illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators obtaining identity documents.
“Those who are 18-plus will no longer get Aadhaar cards in Assam. For SCs, STs, and tea garden tribes, Aadhaar cards will be issued only for one year. Those who have not yet applied must do so within September, as the window will remain open for just one month. After that, exceptions will be entertained only through the Deputy Commissioner’s office, with final approval resting solely with the DC,” Sarma stated.
The Chief Minister added that the move is necessary due to repeated cases of illegal immigration. “Particularly in the last year, we have been continuously apprehending Bangladeshis entering the country at the border. Just yesterday, we pushed back seven of them. We want to completely close the door so that no one can enter Assam illegally, obtain an Aadhaar card, and live as Indian citizens,” he explained.
Assam has already achieved 103% Aadhaar saturation overall, although coverage among SC, ST, and tea garden communities remains slightly lower at 96%.
