Assam Cabinet suspends fresh Aadhaar enrolment for adults above 18; SC/ST/Tea Garden exempt until 2027

Assam Bans Fresh Aadhaar Enrolment For Adults Above 18 To Curb Illegal Immigration, Exempts SC/ST/Tea Garden Till 2027

Guwahati, June 13: In a significant decision aimed at tightening identity verification measures, the Assam Cabinet on Saturday approved a ban on fresh Aadhaar enrolment for individuals above 18 years of age, citing concerns over illegal immigration.Cabinet Meeting DetailsThe decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur.Announcing the Cabinet decisions, Sarma said Aadhaar cards would no longer be issued in Assam to individuals above the age of 18, except under special circumstances.Rationale Behind Ban“From now on, people above 18 years of age will not be issued Aadhaar cards in Assam. We have already achieved near-total Aadhaar saturation in the state. This decision has been taken to ensure that illegal Bangladeshi immigrants are unable to obtain Aadhaar cards,” Sarma told reporters.The restriction will not apply to individuals below 18 years of age.Extended Deadline for Exempted GroupsThe government has, however, exempted members of the Divyang, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Tea Garden communities from the immediate implementation of the new rule. For applicants belonging to the SC, ST and Tea Garden communities, Aadhaar enrolment will continue until March 31, 2027. From April 1, 2027, the same restrictions will apply to them unless special permission is obtained from the state government.Sarma said Aadhaar enrolment in some districts had already crossed the 100 per cent mark, raising concerns about possible misuse of the system. Under the new policy, any Aadhaar application from a person above 18 years of age will require prior approval from the state government. District Commissioners will have to seek permission before processing such applications.New Development Authority ApprovedThe Cabinet also approved the creation of the Guwahati Satellite Cities Development Authority (GSCDA) to plan, finance and develop satellite townships in and around Guwahati within the jurisdiction of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).“The proposed satellite city will be developed in areas behind the airport, covering parts of Palasbari, Sualkuchi and adjoining regions near the bridge. The area will fall under the jurisdiction of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority,” the Chief Minister said.Employment Mission FrameworkIn another major decision, the Cabinet approved the implementation framework of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, in Assam from July 1, 2026.The scheme will have a budget allocation of Rs 2,000 crore and provide 125 man-days of direct wage employment. Besides generating employment, the programme will focus on creating durable community assets through the work undertaken under the scheme.Panchayat-Wise FundsUnder the initiative, each panchayat will receive financial assistance ranging from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore, depending on local requirements. The government expects the scheme to generate employment opportunities, strengthen rural livelihoods and create community infrastructure.Ram Temple Trust Seeks SIT Probe Into ₹7 Crore Donation Misappropriation Allegations, Two Employees HeldTo ensure transparency in implementation, the Cabinet approved the formation of a monitoring committee. Sarma said the government would closely track the programme from the beginning and address deficiencies that had affected earlier employment schemes, including MGNREGA.The Cabinet also decided that issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Central and inter-state deputation of All India Service officers, including IAS officers, will now require Cabinet approval.Sarma further said a high-level dignitary may visit Assam between July 1 and July 3 along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though the programme has not yet been formally confirmed. Preparations for the proposed visit will begin immediately, he added, while seeking cooperation from residents, particularly in Guwahati.The Chief Minister also announced that the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly will commence on July 6 and is expected to continue for more than 21 days. During the session, the state government will present the full Budget for 2026-27.

15 hours ago

Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Announces End To Routine Aadhaar Issuance For Adults Above 18 To Curb Illegal Immigration | VIDEO

Guwahati, June 13: In a significant move aimed at curbing illegal immigration, the Assam Cabinet has decided to stop the routine issuance of Aadhaar cards to individuals above the age of 18. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision on Saturday, saying the measure is intended to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining the identity document.Addressing a press conference after chairing a Cabinet meeting, Sarma said adults seeking Aadhaar enrolment will now have to undergo an additional layer of scrutiny. In exceptional cases, district commissioners will have to send proposals to the state government seeking approval before Aadhaar cards can be issued.In national interest, Assam has decided to ban issuance of Aadhar cards to all adults above 18 years so that no illegal can legitimise themselves.The ST and Tea Garden community will get an extension till 31 March 2027 to enrol themselves under Aadhar. pic.twitter.com/e0CJeItLoI— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 13, 2026“The government will then decide whether the applicant is eligible for an Aadhaar card,” Sarma said.Aadhaar Coverage Under ScannerThe Chief Minister said Aadhaar enrolment in Assam has reached saturation levels, with coverage crossing 100 per cent in some districts. According to him, the development has raised concerns over the identities of those obtaining additional Aadhaar cards.“We must ascertain who these people are who are taking the additional Aadhaar cards. The step is being taken to ensure that no illegal Bangladeshi obtains an Aadhaar card,” Sarma said.The decision reflects the state government's continuing focus on addressing concerns related to illegal immigration from neighbouring Bangladesh. The administration has repeatedly maintained that stricter verification measures are necessary to safeguard official identity systems from misuse.Addressing the media on key decisions taken at today’s #AssamCabinet meeting. https://t.co/YVVfvlhYbb— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 13, 2026Exceptions Till March 2027Despite the new restrictions, certain sections of society will continue to be eligible for Aadhaar enrolment. Sarma said members of the tea garden community, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and persons with disabilities will continue to receive Aadhaar cards, as many individuals in these groups are yet to be enrolled.However, the exemption will only remain in force until March 31, 2027.“From April 1, 2027, people from these communities above the age of 18 will also stop receiving Aadhaar cards,” the Chief Minister said.Aadhaar enrolment for individuals below the age of 18 will continue without any change.Sarma had earlier indicated that the state government would adopt a strict approach towards Aadhaar issuance and make it difficult for illegal immigrants to obtain the document. Last year, he had said the government was considering tighter rules for Aadhaar enrolment among adults as part of efforts to curb illegal immigration.Cabinet Clears Rural Employment FrameworkThe Cabinet also approved the implementation framework for the VB-G RAM G Act in Assam. The scheme will come into effect from July 1.Sarma said Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated for the initiative, under which 125 man-days of direct wage employment will be provided. Apart from generating employment, the government plans to focus on creating durable assets through the programme.The Chief Minister said asset creation would be given importance alongside employment generation under the new law.Satellite Cities Authority ApprovedIn another key decision, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the Guwahati Satellite Cities Development Authority (GSCDA). The authority will be responsible for planning, financing and developing satellite cities in and around Guwahati.The proposed authority will function within the jurisdiction of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority.Also Watch: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Unveils PMS Portal, Accelerates Venture School ProvincialisationThe Cabinet also decided that approval from the state Cabinet will now be mandatory before issuing No Objection Certificates to officers of All India Services, including IAS officers, seeking central or inter-state deputation.Meanwhile, Sarma announced that the budget session of the Assam Legislative Assembly will begin on July 6. The date for the presentation of the state budget will be announced separately.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

17 hours ago