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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has implemented a new policy requiring all new applicants for Aadhaar cards in the state to submit their National Register of Citizens (NRC) application receipt number (ARN) starting October 1st. The decision is intended to prevent the influx of undocumented immigrants into the state. Sarma has stated that the state government will be stringent in issuing Aadhaar cards, emphasizing that obtaining one in Assam will not be a straightforward process.
This requirement will not apply to the over 9.55 lakh individuals whose biometric data was mistakenly frozen during the NRC update process. These individuals will be eligible to receive Aadhaar cards without submitting their ARN. Additionally, the rule will not be enforced in tea garden areas due to logistical difficulties, including a lack of sufficient biometric machines.
Sarma has cited concerns regarding the number of Aadhaar applications exceeding projected population figures in certain districts. He highlighted Barpeta, Dhubri, Morigaon, and Nagaon as districts with application rates exceeding their respective projected populations. This trend, according to Sarma, indicates the presence of individuals with questionable citizenship status.
The central government has delegated the authority to states to decide whether an individual qualifies for an Aadhaar card. In Assam, the state government has determined that new applicants will only be issued an Aadhaar card upon receiving a no-objection certificate from the relevant district commissioner. These certificates will be issued following a thorough examination of the applicant's circumstances. The presence of an NRC ARN will serve as evidence of the applicant's presence in the state before 2014.
Sarma has also emphasized that the Assam government will intensify efforts to identify and apprehend illegal immigrants. Recent efforts have resulted in the apprehension and deportation of several Bangladeshi nationals.
Source: NRC application proof must for Aadhaar in Assam, says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma