Assam halts new Aadhaar cards for adults except SC, ST and tea garden workers
Move aims to curb attempts by illegal foreigners, particularly Bangladeshi nationals, from acquiring Aadhaar cards in Assam
PTC Web Desk: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state Cabinet has decided to suspend the issuance of new Aadhaar cards for individuals above 18 years of age for another year. The restriction, however, will not apply to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and tea garden workers, who remain eligible to apply.
Sarma clarified that people from other communities without Aadhaar cards will be provided a special window to apply during September. After this period, fresh Aadhaar applications will not be entertained, except in exceptional cases.
He further explained that in rare circumstances, District Commissioners (DCs) will be authorised to approve Aadhaar cards only after verifying reports from the Special Branch and the Foreigners Tribunal.
The Chief Minister stressed that the move aims to curb attempts by illegal foreigners, particularly Bangladeshi nationals, from acquiring Aadhaar cards in Assam and wrongfully claiming Indian citizenship. He added that the government has consistently pushed back infiltration along the state’s border and has now completely shut down any possibility of outsiders obtaining Aadhaar fraudulently.