The Assam Cabinet has decided to stop issuing Aadhaar cards to individuals above 18 years of age to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining the document. Exceptions will be made for tea garden communities and Scheduled Tribes until April 1, 2027.
This policy change in Assam directly impacts the ability of adults to obtain a foundational identity document, with significant implications for access to services and the state's efforts to manage its population and border security.
The Assam Cabinet has decided to cease the issuance of Aadhaar cards to individuals aged 18 and above, a measure aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from obtaining the identity document. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that in exceptional cases, district commissioners will need to seek approval from the state government for issuing cards.
Aadhaar cards will continue to be issued to those under the age of 18. Furthermore, individuals belonging to the tea garden community and Scheduled Tribes will be exempt from this restriction until April 1, 2027, after which the ban will be fully implemented for all adults.