In a bid to prevent illegal Bangladeshi migrants from acquiring Indian identity documents, the Assam government has decided that no new Aadhaar cards will be issued to individuals over the age of 18 in the state.
The move, announced on Thursday, will take effect from the first week of October once a formal government notification is issued.
“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,” chief minister Sarma said after the cabinet meeting at the state guest house in Koinadhora on Thursday.
The decision comes amid an intensified state-wide campaign to identify and deport undocumented migrants from Bangladesh, an issue that has long fuelled political and social tensions in Assam.
Officials say Aadhaar has been widely used by illegal migrants to legitimise their stay in India, prompting the government to impose stricter controls.
By limiting Aadhaar issuance for adults, the government argues it can plug loopholes in the identification process.
-Various sources