Assam Introduces New Aadhaar Card Requirements

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that starting October 1, new applicants for Aadhaar cards must submit their National Register of Citizens (NRC) application receipt number (ARN). This move aims to curb the influx of illegal foreigners, as the number of Aadhaar applications exceeds the state's population. Exemptions will be made for 955,000 individuals whose biometrics were locked during the NRC process and residents of tea garden areas. Four districts, Barpeta, Dhubri, Morigaon, and Nagaon, have reported Aadhaar applications exceeding their populations, raising concerns over 'suspected foreigners' obtaining Aadhaar cards. The Assam government will intensify efforts to identify and deport illegal foreigners, particularly focusing on demographic changes in Muslim-majority districts.