By Ratnadip Choudhury
Published: Aug 21, 2025, 21:07 IST

GUWAHATI: In a major administrative move aimed at tightening identity controls, the Assam government has decided to stop issuing Aadhaar cards to individuals over the age of 18 in the state. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday and is expected to take effect from the first week of October, following the issuance of a formal government notification.

Aadhaar, India’s biometric-based identification system, has become a key document for establishing residence, accessing social welfare benefits, and proving citizenship across the country. However, the Assam government has expressed concerns that illegal migrants, particularly from Bangladesh, have been using the system to acquire Indian identity documents and legitimize their stay in the country.

“Those who are 18-plus will no longer get Aadhaar cards in Assam,” Chief Minister Sarma said after a cabinet meeting at the state guest house in Koinadhora. “For Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and tea garden tribes, Aadhaar cards will be issued only for a period of one year. Those who have not yet applied must do so within September, as the window will remain open for just one month. After that, exceptions will be entertained only through the Deputy Commissioner’s office, with final approval resting solely with the DC.”

This step comes amid a broader state-wide campaign to identify and deport undocumented migrants from Bangladesh, a long-standing issue that has fuelled political and social tensions in Assam. The state, which shares a porous Assam–Bangladesh border, has witnessed periodic crackdowns against people suspected of entering the country illegally. Authorities have noted that despite periodic verification exercises, loopholes in documentation processes have allowed some illegal migrants to remain in the state undetected.

Officials pointed out that Aadhaar, while primarily designed as a tool for citizen identification and access to public services, has sometimes been exploited by unauthorized residents to obtain ration cards, bank accounts, and other legal documents, thereby enabling them to establish a foothold in India. By restricting the issuance of Aadhaar to adults, the state government aims to strengthen controls over who can access official identity documents.

Experts say that this is one of the most stringent measures implemented by any state to regulate biometric identification issuance. While younger residents below the age of 18 will continue to be able to apply for Aadhaar, the policy effectively limits adult residents from obtaining new identity cards, unless specifically approved by the Deputy Commissioner. This measure is expected to create a tighter verification mechanism, particularly in areas near the international border where the risk of illegal migration is higher.

The government has also emphasized that the move will not affect residents who already possess Aadhaar cards or those who fall under the limited exemptions for vulnerable groups, including SCs, STs, and tea garden workers. Authorities have urged eligible adults to apply within the September deadline to avoid complications, warning that applications submitted after the cutoff date will be considered only under strict scrutiny.

The decision is expected to have significant administrative implications, requiring coordination between local offices, the state administration, and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to ensure compliance. Officials have indicated that the state will also enhance verification protocols and cross-checks to prevent misuse of existing Aadhaar data.

Critics of the move argue that it could complicate access to essential services for some residents, while supporters assert that it is a necessary step to curb illegal migration and uphold the integrity of India’s identity system. Chief Minister Sarma stressed that the government remains committed to balancing security concerns with citizens’ rights, adding that the policy is designed to strengthen the identification system while maintaining legal protections for residents.

With the implementation date set for early October, residents of Assam have a limited window to secure their Aadhaar cards, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s ongoing efforts to regulate migration and safeguard official identity processes.