Assam has introduced a strict new rule requiring all new applicants for Aadhaar cards to submit their National Register of Citizens (NRC) application receipt number (ARN), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday.
The regulation is part of the state's intensified efforts to curb the influx of illegal migrants and will be implemented from October 1, following the preparation of a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
The Chief Minister, addressing a press conference, underscored the need for stricter measures to manage the state’s demographic integrity. “Applications for Aadhaar cards are more than the population... It indicates that there are doubtful citizens, and we have decided that new applicants will have to submit their NRC application receipt number (ARN),” Sarma stated.
He added that the move is aimed at preventing the "influx of illegal foreigners" into the state. “It will not be easy to get Aadhaar in Assam, and hopefully, other states will also be strict in issuing Aadhaar cards,” Sarma remarked.
The policy will not apply to the 9.55 lakh individuals whose biometrics were locked during the NRC process; they will receive their Aadhaar cards without needing to provide the ARN.
Additionally, residents of Assam's tea garden areas, where many have not received Aadhaar cards due to logistical challenges like the non-availability of biometric machines, will also be exempt.
Highlighting discrepancies in Aadhaar applications, Sarma pointed out that four districts in Assam—Barpeta, Dhubri, Morigaon, and Nagaon—have reported more Aadhaar applications than their projected populations.
"Barpeta has 103.74 per cent, Dhubri 103 per cent, and both Morigaon and Nagaon 101 per cent," he noted.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the state government has been empowered by the Centre to decide whether an Aadhaar card can be issued to an individual.
“In Assam, we have decided that Aadhaar cards will be issued to new applicants only after a no objection certificate is given by the district commissioner concerned. Such certificates will be issued after minutely examining all aspects. If the applicant has the NRC ARN, it becomes clear that he was in the state before 2014,” he explained.
To further bolster border security, Sarma announced that surveillance and patrolling in areas under the jurisdiction of border outposts will be strengthened.
He said stronger coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and other central agencies would be established for seamless information sharing and joint operations.
“Recent reports indicate an increase in the number of illegal immigrants being detected, necessitating intensified efforts across the state to proactively curb the movement of illegal migrants while also taking steps to repatriate these individuals,” Sarma pointed out.
The Assam government will enhance intelligence-gathering mechanisms, focusing on cross-border networks and infiltration routes. Community awareness programmes will also be launched in border areas to encourage residents to report suspicious movements or new settlers, aiding early detection of potential illegal immigrants.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of documenting all cases of illegal immigrants promptly and forwarding them to the Foreigners Tribunals for adjudication.
"Regular verification of records will be conducted to prevent illegal immigrants from evading detection. Village or field-level government functionaries will play a crucial role in gathering information on new and unknown persons. Upon receiving such information, an enumeration of suspected illegal immigrants must be conducted in consultation with Assam Police headquarters, district administration, and district police," Sarma stated.
He also mentioned that sustained efforts would be launched to locate and apprehend individuals who have been absconding after being declared foreigners by the Foreigners Tribunals.
“After identifying suspected individuals or families, their biometrics will be collected. If such individuals possess Aadhaar, PAN, Voter IDs, or passports, their numbers should be recorded for future reference,” he added.
From January 2024 to date, 54 illegal immigrants have been detected in Assam—48 in Karimganj, four in Bongaigaon, and one each in Haflong GRP and Dhubri district.
Of these, 45 were handed over to their country of origin, while nine were arrested in Karimganj.
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