Assam Restricts Aadhaar Issuance For Individuals Above 18 Amid Immigration Concerns
Assam restricts Aadhaar issuance for adults above 18 years.
The Assam government has announced a significant policy change restricting the issuance of Aadhaar cards to individuals above the age of 18, in a move aimed at tightening identity verification and addressing concerns over illegal immigration. The decision is part of a broader state-level effort to strengthen documentation systems and prevent misuse of official identification records.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the restriction has been introduced after concerns that Aadhaar cards, which are widely used to access government welfare schemes and services, may have been obtained fraudulently in some cases. He stated that in several districts, Aadhaar enrolment figures have exceeded 100 per cent, prompting the need for stricter scrutiny and regulatory control.
However, the government has clarified that the new restriction will not apply uniformly across all communities. Individuals belonging to the tea garden community and Scheduled Tribes will continue to be eligible for Aadhaar enrolment. Authorities noted that a significant portion of these populations is yet to be fully enrolled, and the exemption will remain in place until March 31, 2027.
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Officials further stated that from April 1, 2027, adult Aadhaar enrolment for these exempted communities will also be subject to revised rules. The state government emphasised that the policy is designed to ensure that only eligible residents receive official identification, with a particular focus on preventing illegal migrants from obtaining documentation.
The administration reiterated that Aadhaar enrolment for individuals below the age of 18 will continue without interruption. The government maintains that the policy is part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard identity systems and enhance verification mechanisms, especially in regions bordering countries where illegal migration concerns have been raised.
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