Assam Tightens Aadhaar Rules for 18+ Age Group to Curb Illegal

The Assam government has decided to tighten Aadhaar card regulations to address illegal immigration concerns. As per the new rules, individuals above 18 years of age will no longer be eligible for new Aadhaar cards unless they receive special approval. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday.

Under the new policy, district commissioners will submit proposals for Aadhaar issuance, and the state government will verify eligibility. Certain groups, including members of the tea garden community, Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and persons with disabilities, are exempted from this rule until April 1, 2027. Aadhaar cards will continue to be issued to individuals under 18 years of age without restrictions.

The government stated that these measures are part of efforts to prevent illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from acquiring Aadhaar cards. CM Sarma emphasized that the state had been preparing to strengthen Aadhaar issuance processes to curb illegal immigration.

Separately, the Supreme Court recently upheld the validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which allows Bangladeshi immigrants who entered Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, to register as Indian citizens. This provision was introduced as part of the Assam Accord in 1985. However, immigrants arriving after March 25, 1971, are not eligible for Indian citizenship. The decision was delivered by a five-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, with four judges in agreement and one dissenting.

Key Points
- Assam government restricts Aadhaar issuance for individuals above 18 years without special approval.
- Tea garden community, ST, SC, and persons with disabilities exempted until April 1, 2027.
- Aadhaar issuance for individuals under 18 years remains unaffected.
- Supreme Court upholds Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, validating citizenship for certain Bangladeshi immigrants.
- CM Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasizes the need to curb illegal immigration through stricter Aadhaar rules.