The Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has taken a significant decision to halt the issuance of Aadhaar cards to individuals aged above 18 years. This move is aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from acquiring the document, which serves as a key identity proof in India.
Cabinet Decision Announced
On Saturday, Chief Minister Sarma announced the decision after chairing a cabinet meeting. He stated that Aadhaar cards will not be issued to those above 18 years of age under normal circumstances. In exceptional cases, the district commissioner must send a proposal to the state government seeking permission for issuing the card.
Addressing Saturation and Illegal Immigration
Remarking that Aadhaar card issuance has reached a saturation point in the state, Sarma noted that in some districts, issuance has crossed the 100 percent mark. He questioned the identity of individuals obtaining additional Aadhaar cards, emphasizing the need to ensure that no illegal Bangladeshi immigrants receive the document.
The step is being taken to strengthen the verification process and safeguard the integrity of the Aadhaar system. The state government aims to prevent misuse of the identity document by unauthorized individuals.
Implementation and Exceptions
The decision applies to all individuals above 18 years of age, with provisions for exceptions in special circumstances. The district commissioner will have the authority to review and forward exceptional cases to the state government for approval.
This policy is part of Assam's broader efforts to address illegal immigration and ensure that only legitimate residents obtain government-issued identity documents.
