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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a new requirement for Aadhaar card applicants in the state. Effective immediately, all individuals applying for a new Aadhaar card must provide their National Register of Citizens (NRC) application receipt number. Sarma, in a press conference, explained that this measure is intended to prevent the influx of illegal foreigners into Assam, asserting that the state government will be extremely strict in issuing Aadhaar cards.
The chief minister highlighted the alarming trend of Aadhaar card applications exceeding the state's population, indicating the presence of suspicious individuals. He stated that requiring the NRC application receipt number (ARN) will serve as a verification mechanism, confirming the applicant's presence in the state prior to 2014. However, exemptions have been made for specific groups, notably the 9.55 lakh people whose biometric data was locked during the NRC process and residents of tea garden areas. The latter group, often facing logistical challenges in acquiring Aadhaar cards, will not be subject to the new requirement. Despite these exceptions, the new policy underlines the state government's commitment to stringent verification procedures for Aadhaar card issuance.
The introduction of this stringent requirement has sparked debate and raised concerns. Critics argue that it could lead to unnecessary hurdles for legitimate citizens, particularly those from marginalized communities or those with limited access to documentation. The policy's potential impact on vulnerable populations and its effectiveness in achieving its stated goal of preventing illegal immigration remain subject to scrutiny and debate.
Source: CM Himanta Sarma Announces New Requirement For Aadhaar Card Applicants In Assam