Assam has announced a significant change in how Aadhaar cards are issued in the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday that the cabinet has resolved to stop issuing new Aadhaar cards to anyone aged 18 or above through the usual route. The government believes that demand for fresh cards in this age group may be linked to illegal migrants, and the step has been taken to shut down that possibility.
Why the government acted
Speaking to reporters after chairing a cabinet meeting, the chief minister made it clear that the primary purpose of the restriction is to ensure that no illegal Bangladeshi is able to obtain an Aadhaar card. He said the decision was driven mainly by the intention to curb the presence of illegal residents in the state, and expressed confidence that positive results would become visible in the days ahead.
When the figure crossed 100 percent
Sarma pointed to a striking detail. According to him, Aadhaar coverage in the state has reached a point where almost every eligible person already holds a card. He noted that in some districts the figure has even crossed the 100 percent mark. That raises an obvious question for the administration: who exactly are the people picking up these extra cards? In the chief minister's view, it is precisely this anomaly that demands a closer look.
Who still gets a card and who doesn't
Under the new arrangement, only people below the age of 18 will continue to receive Aadhaar cards as before. The door has not been completely shut for adults — those aged 18 or above — but it has been tied to conditions. Sarma said he has issued a clear instruction that cards for this age group should not be made through the normal process.
The route left open for exceptional cases
The chief minister also outlined a procedure for unusual situations. In his words, "In exceptional cases, the District Commissioner will have to send a proposal to the state government for permission to issue an Aadhaar card." Explaining further, he said, "If there is an eligible person who genuinely needs an Aadhaar card, consent will first have to be obtained at the Deputy Commissioner level. Only once permission is granted at the Deputy Commissioner level will the Aadhaar card be made. There will be no difficulty of any kind during this process." In short, the option remains open for genuinely eligible and needy applicants — they will simply have to wait for a green signal at the Deputy Commissioner level.
