By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Assam Cabinet has approved a new mechanism for the issuance of Aadhaar cards to adults, introducing stricter scrutiny for applicants above the age of 18 in a move aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from obtaining the identity document.
Announcing the decision after a Cabinet meeting on Saturday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Aadhaar enrolment for individuals aged over 18 will no longer be processed through the regular system. Instead, such applications will require verification and approval from the state government.
Under the revised framework, district commissioners will be required to examine adult Aadhaar applications and forward recommendations to the state government in exceptional cases. The government will then assess the applicant’s eligibility before granting permission for Aadhaar enrolment.
Sarma said the decision was taken amid concerns over unusually high Aadhaar coverage in several districts of the state. According to him, enrolment figures in some districts have exceeded the estimated population, prompting the government to investigate the reasons behind the increase.
The Chief Minister maintained that the stricter verification process is intended to prevent illegal migrants, particularly from neighbouring Bangladesh, from acquiring Aadhaar cards and using them as proof of identity.
However, the new restrictions will not apply to minors. Aadhaar enrolment for individuals below 18 years of age will continue through the existing process without additional state-level clearance.
The government has also decided to continue issuing Aadhaar cards to members of the tea garden community and Scheduled Tribe populations, many of whom are yet to complete enrolment. Officials believe these groups still require greater coverage under the Aadhaar programme.
The move is in line with the state government’s earlier indications that Aadhaar issuance norms for adults would be tightened as part of broader efforts to strengthen identity verification and address concerns over illegal immigration.
Sarma had previously stated that the government intended to adopt a more rigorous approach to Aadhaar enrolment in Assam, making it more difficult for ineligible individuals to obtain the document.
The latest Cabinet decision marks a significant policy shift in Aadhaar administration in the state, with authorities seeking closer oversight of adult enrolment while continuing to expand coverage among eligible residents who remain outside the system.