GUWAHATI: In a significant policy shift to curb illegal immigration, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that only deputy commissioners (DCs) will now be authorised to approve Aadhaar enrolment applications for adults, replacing the standard procedure involving UIDAI-run Seva Kendras. The move aims to prevent illegal Bangladeshi migrants from obtaining Aadhaar as a gateway to public services and benefits. “Tightening rules for Aadhaar issuance will make it difficult for illegal migrants to get through. Without Aadhaar, it’s easier to identify and deport them,” Sarma said following a cabinet meeting. He noted that Aadhaar coverage in Assam has reached 100% among residents, and henceforth, only newborns would be enrolled through the normal Seva Kendra process. The government’s presumption is that new adult applicants could be illegal immigrants seeking legal identity. The vetting process under DCs will involve more rigorous authentication and document checks before issuing the biometric ID. Sarma also revealed that 20 Bangladeshi nationals were deported the previous night, and emphasized that the stricter Aadhaar controls will support the state’s broader efforts to detect and deport undocumented individuals.
