August 21, 2025-In a decisive move, the Assam government has announced that Aadhaar cards will no longer be issued to adults, except for specific communities, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and tea garden workers. The decision comes amid concerns about high saturation of Aadhaar enrollment in the state and the threat of illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh, obtaining identity documents.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that nearly all eligible adults in Assam already possess Aadhaar cards. “Remaining applicants may include individuals whose citizenship status is questionable. Hence, the process will now be handled only through Deputy Commissioner offices to ensure thorough verification,” he said.
Under the new policy, adult applicants outside the exempted communities must apply at DC offices. This centralization aims to prevent misuse of the Aadhaar system and maintain the integrity of the state’s population records.
Tea garden workers, numbering around 50,000 adults without Aadhaar, have been granted exceptions to facilitate their enrollment. Authorities said verification requirements for this community would be relaxed to ensure they receive their cards without undue delay.
The policy underscores the government’s effort to tighten identity verification and prevent illegal immigrants from accessing government schemes. Aadhaar cards serve as a crucial document for accessing subsidies, social welfare benefits, and other services.
Officials said the government would closely monitor the policy’s implementation and make adjustments if necessary, balancing the need for strict verification with the legitimate rights of citizens.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among citizens, with supporters praising it as a measure to protect Assam’s demographic integrity, while critics caution against potential administrative hurdles for genuine residents.
