Assam Halts Aadhaar Issuance for Adults, Cites ‘Bangladeshi’ Concerns

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday declared that Assam will suspend the process of issuing aadhaar card to individuals aged above 18 years until further orders with the exception of Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC) and tea garden workers.

Also Read: ‘Tu Lagawelu Jab Lipastic’ Goes Viral at Zakir Khan’s Madison Square Garden Show | Bhojpuri Vibes

Connecting the ruling to the security of the borders and the issues of illegal immigration Sarma said, “We have continuously pushed back Bangladeshi nationals along the border. We want to take protection that no one (illegal foreigner) can obtain Aadhaar card from Assam by entering into the state and claim to be an Indian citizen. We have completely closed that way,” reported news agency ANI.

He announced the decision after Assam cabinet meeting, saying, “Assam cabinet has today decided that Aadhaar card will not be issued for persons above 18 years of age, except ST, SC and tea garden workers, for another one year.”

Also Read: Ghaziabad Woman Alleges Torture by Husband, Says He Forced Her to Look Like Nora Fatehi

Himanta Sarma said other community members who are yet to obtain Aadhaar are to be given a final chance in September to apply. “We will allow them to apply within the month of September,” he said.

He added that there will be only a one month opening in September to people above 18 yrs of age who have not obtained an Aadhaar card so far.

The chief minister has further detailed that further than this window, Aadhaar will be enrolled under close examination. “In rare and rarest case, the District Commissioner will be the authority to issue Aadhaar card after completion of the window period and the DC will have to check SB report, Foreigners Tribunal report before issuing Aadhaar card,” Sarma said.

Also Read: Satish Golcha Appointed as New Delhi Police Commissioner