The Assam government has announced a major policy change regarding Aadhaar card issuance, deciding that Aadhaar cards will no longer be issued freely to individuals above the age of 18. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the move aims to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining Indian identity documents.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Saturday, June 13, Sarma said district officials will now require state government approval before issuing Aadhaar cards in exceptional cases for adults.
“The step has been taken to ensure that no illegal Bangladeshis get Aadhaar cards,” the Chief Minister said.
District Commissioners to Verify Exceptional Cases
Under the new system, district commissioners will have to send proposals to the state government if an Aadhaar card is to be issued to an adult applicant. The final decision will rest with the government.
Sarma said Aadhaar issuance in Assam has reached “saturation level”, adding that in some districts it has reportedly crossed 100 per cent coverage, raising questions about duplication and verification.
“We must ascertain who these people are who are taking the additional Aadhaar cards,” he said.
Exemptions for Certain Communities Until 2027
The Chief Minister clarified that Aadhaar cards will still be issued to members of Tea Tribe communities, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and persons with disabilities, as many individuals in these groups are yet to be covered.
However, he added that from April 1, 2027, even these exemptions for adults will end.
“Aadhaar cards will continue to be issued to those below 18 years of age,” Sarma said.
Government Push to Strengthen Identity Verification
The Assam government has been tightening Aadhaar rules for several years, linking the policy to concerns over illegal immigration from Bangladesh. The Chief Minister said the objective is to ensure that identity documents are issued only after proper verification.
Earlier, the state had already restricted Aadhaar-linked biometrics for certain groups during the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process. Later, the Centre allowed unlocking of biometrics for affected individuals to help them obtain Aadhaar.
Supreme Court and Policy Background
The development comes amid ongoing national discussions on Aadhaar verification norms. The Supreme Court has previously stated that changes in Aadhaar issuance rules require proper legislative or policy intervention.
The Assam government maintains that stricter controls are necessary in the state due to its unique demographic and migration challenges.
Other Cabinet Decisions
Apart from Aadhaar reforms, the Assam cabinet also approved the implementation framework of the VB-G RAM G Act, which will come into effect from July 1 with a ₹2,000 crore allocation. The scheme aims to generate rural employment and create assets through wage-based work.
The government also approved the formation of the Guwahati Satellite Cities Development Authority (GSCDA) to develop planned urban expansion around Guwahati.
Additionally, the cabinet decided that All India Services officers will now require state approval before central or inter-state deputation. The budget session of the Assam Assembly is scheduled to begin on July 6.
