Assam's Aadhaar Restriction Sparks Debate on Immigration Control

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a restriction on issuing first-time Aadhaar cards to those over 18 years to prevent illegal immigration. A one-month window is available for residents without Aadhaar, except for Tea Tribes, SC, and ST individuals, who have a year-long period.

In a strategic move to curb illegal immigration, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that citizens over 18 years will face restrictions when applying for first-time Aadhaar cards. This precautionary measure aims to prevent illegal immigrants from gaining Indian citizenship and will take immediate effect.

Following a Cabinet meeting, Sarma declared a limited one-month period for those over 18 to apply for an Aadhaar card if they have not previously done so. Exceptions exist for Tea Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, who will continue to have access to Aadhaar on an extended basis of one year.

The decision reflects the state's ongoing efforts to secure the authenticity of its citizens amid concerns of possible illegal immigration from neighboring Bangladesh over the past year, Sarma stated at the press briefing.

(With inputs from agencies.)