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The Assam government, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has implemented a new policy linking Aadhaar card issuance to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) applications. This move aims to prevent suspected foreigners from obtaining Aadhaar cards in the state, raising concerns about potential discrimination and the impact on marginalized communities.
The decision was announced by Sarma, who cited instances where the number of Aadhaar cards issued in certain districts exceeded the projected population figures. He specifically pointed to Dhubri, Barpeta, and Morigaon, all of which have significant Muslim populations. According to Sarma, the high issuance rates indicate the possibility of “suspected foreigners” obtaining Aadhaar cards in these districts. To address this, the state government will implement a new Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for future Aadhaar card issuance, making it mandatory for applicants to provide their NRC application number.
The NRC, a controversial document aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in Assam, has been a source of tension and displacement. While the process began in 2015, the final NRC was published in 2019, excluding almost 1.9 million people from the list. This exclusion has significant consequences, potentially leading to statelessness and facing trials in the state’s Foreigner Tribunals. The implementation of the new Aadhaar card policy further intertwines the NRC with the process of obtaining a crucial identity document.
The policy, while presented as a measure to prevent fraudulent Aadhaar card acquisition, raises concerns about the potential for discrimination and the impact on marginalized communities. Critics argue that the policy creates a system that disproportionately affects individuals who may not have applied for the NRC due to various reasons, including lack of awareness, difficulty in accessing necessary documentation, or concerns about their status. The policy could inadvertently deny essential services and benefits to individuals who are legally residing in Assam.
The policy's implementation also raises questions about the role of the Central government in Aadhaar card issuance. While the Aadhaar card is issued by the Central government, the Assam government has been granted some discretionary power by requiring a no-objection certificate from the concerned District Collector. This raises concerns about the potential for abuse and misuse of this discretionary power.
The Assam government's decision to link Aadhaar card issuance to NRC applications is a significant development with wide-ranging implications. It is crucial to assess the policy's effectiveness and to ensure that it is implemented in a fair and transparent manner, avoiding discriminatory practices and safeguarding the rights of all individuals residing in Assam.
Source: No NRC application, no Aadhaar: CM Himanta’s big Assam announcement