Guwahati, Assam – In a significant move to address the issue of illegal immigration, the Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has introduced stringent new rules for Aadhaar card applications. Effective from October 1, 2024, all new applicants for Aadhaar in Assam must submit their National Register of Citizens (NRC) application receipt number (ARN), marking a pivotal shift in the state’s approach to identity verification.
This decision comes in the wake of alarming data which revealed that in several districts of Assam, the number of Aadhaar cardholders exceeds the projected population. For instance, districts like Barpeta, Dhubri, Morigaon, and Nagaon have reported figures where Aadhaar card possession surpasses the local population by margins ranging from 0.86% to 3.74%. This discrepancy has raised concerns over the potential issuance of Aadhaar cards to individuals who might not be legitimate residents or citizens.
“Applications for Aadhaar cards are more than the population. It indicates that there are doubtful citizens, and we have decided that new applicants will have to submit their NRC application receipt number (ARN),”
– Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Chief Minister Sarma, addressing the press, emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing the influx of illegal foreigners. “Applications for Aadhaar cards are more than the population. It indicates that there are doubtful citizens, and we have decided that new applicants will have to submit their NRC application receipt number (ARN),” he stated, underscoring the government’s resolve to enforce strict measures.
However, this new rule does not apply to approximately 9.55 lakh individuals whose biometrics were locked during the NRC process. These individuals, whose biometrics were unfrozen recently following a decision by the Centre, will still be eligible to receive their Aadhaar cards without needing to submit the ARN.
The move is part of a broader strategy to intensify efforts against illegal immigration, which includes stronger border surveillance, coordination with central agencies like the Border Security Force, and a proactive approach by the Assam Police Border Organisation to detect and repatriate illegal immigrants. Recent operations have led to the identification and repatriation of several individuals, with a focus on areas known for border crossing activities.
This policy shift also reflects Assam’s ongoing efforts to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, which aims to provide constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to protect the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Assamese people. The state government’s actions are seen as steps towards fulfilling these commitments, though they have sparked discussions on the implications for genuine residents who might face bureaucratic hurdles due to these new regulations.
The Assam government’s approach must be applauded, as it’s necessary to safeguard the state’s demographic composition, considering its proximity to Bangladesh from where illegal immigration has become a major security threat across India.
There are some who express concern over the potential for genuine residents to be caught in administrative red tape, especially those who might not have had their NRC applications processed or documented properly.
As Assam prepares to implement these new Aadhaar rules, the state stands at a crossroads, balancing the need for security and identity verification with the rights and ease of access for its citizens. This development marks a significant chapter in Assam’s ongoing narrative of identity, citizenship, and security.
