The Assam government has announced a significant policy change regarding Aadhaar card issuance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that new Aadhaar cards will not be issued to adults over 18 for the next year, except for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and tea garden workers. This decision aims to prevent illegal foreigners from obtaining Indian citizenship through Aadhaar. Sarma explained that there will be a window in September for individuals from other communities who have not yet applied for an Aadhaar card. Additionally, the District Commissioner may issue Aadhaar cards in exceptional cases after verifying reports to prevent misuse. Sarma emphasized that these measures are intended to stop illegal foreigners, particularly from Bangladesh, from claiming Indian citizenship in Assam.
This decision positions Assam distinctly in comparison to other states in India, which persist in issuing Aadhaar cards to all eligible citizens. This action can be interpreted as part of a larger strategy aimed at addressing the demographic and security challenges that are specific to Assam. The approach taken by the state is likely to attract close scrutiny from other regions that are encountering similar difficulties. Furthermore, this policy highlights the necessity of enforcing rigorous verification processes to preserve the integrity of national identification systems, a concern that extends beyond the borders of Assam. Through the implementation of these measures, Assam seeks to strengthen its administrative procedures and guarantee that the distribution of Aadhaar cards is both equitable and secure, thereby sustaining the confidence of its residents in the governance of the state.
