Guwahati: The Assam cabinet on Saturday imposed a ban on fresh Aadhaar enrolment for individuals above 18 years of age, following reports that several districts have exceeded saturation levels. This decision comes after unusual figures raised serious concerns that illegal immigrants might be obtaining Aadhaar cards, prompting the state government to take decisive action.
Exemptions and Timeline
The ban does not apply to persons belonging to the Divyang (disabled), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and tea garden communities. This exemption will remain valid until March 31, 2027. From April 1, 2027, individuals from these communities above the age of 18 will also cease to receive Aadhaar cards.
Chief Minister's Statement
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “Assam has already reached saturation in Aadhaar enrolment. However, in some districts, the saturation has crossed 114% and 115%. This raises serious apprehensions about who is obtaining these cards. We want full proof that no illegal immigrants are taking advantage of Aadhaar. We aim to plug the leakage, and the cabinet has therefore decided to stop issuance for any person above 18 years of age. There is a complete ban from now.”
In exceptional cases, the district commissioner must send a proposal to the state government seeking permission for issuing the card. The government will then decide whether the applicant is eligible.
Other Cabinet Decisions
VB- G Act Rollout
The cabinet also approved a series of landmark decisions, including the rollout of the VB- G Act from July 1, with a budgetary allocation of Rs 2,000 crore. The new rural employment generation law will provide 125 man-days of direct wage employment, while prioritizing the creation of durable assets from the labor generated under the scheme, Sarma explained.
Guwahati Satellite Cities Development Authority
In another major move, the cabinet sanctioned the establishment of the Guwahati Satellite Cities Development Authority to plan, finance, and develop satellite cities within the jurisdiction of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority. This initiative is expected to ease urban pressure on Guwahati and promote balanced regional growth.
Oversight on Bureaucratic Transfers
The cabinet also decided that no-objection certificates for officers of All India Services, such as IAS, will now require cabinet approval before being issued for central or inter-state deputation, tightening oversight of senior bureaucratic transfers.
