Assam Suspends New Aadhaar Cards for Adults, Except SC, ST, and Tea Garden Workers (Image Source: Social Media)
On Thursday, the Assam government announced that from the next year, in 2026, the state will stop issuing new Aadhar Cards to adults above 18 years old, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a media briefing. The decision, however, makes an exception for people belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and tea garden workers, who will still be able to apply. Others who have not yet obtained an Aadhaar card will get a chance to apply during September.
According to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the state cabinet has agreed to halt the issuance of Aadhaar cards to those over the age of 18 for an additional year.Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and tea garden workers would not be affected by the rule; they will still be able to obtain new Aadhaar cards.In September, members of other communities who have not yet received an Aadhaar card will have the opportunity to apply.
The Chief Minister also explained that in rare situations, the District Commissioner (DC) would have the authority to issue Aadhaar cards after the application window ends. However, before approval, the DC must verify reports from the Special Branch and the Foreigners Tribunal. In very rare cases, the District Commissioner can issue an Aadhaar card after the window period, but only after checking the SB report and the Foreigners Tribunal report," Sarma added.
Sarma said the decision is part of the state’s efforts to stop illegal foreigners, especially Bangladeshi nationals, from obtaining Aadhaar cards and claiming Indian citizenship. He highlighted Assam’s ongoing work to prevent infiltration along the border."We have consistently pushed back Bangladeshi nationals at the border. This step ensures that no illegal foreigner can get an Aadhaar card from Assam and claim Indian citizenship. We have completely blocked that route," he stated.
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