Sarma, while addressing the media, expressed concern over the number of Aadhaar applications exceeding the state’s projected population, particularly in four districts. Barpeta and Dhubri reported more than 103% applications compared to their estimated population, while Morigaon and Nagaon saw over 101%. According to Sarma, this anomaly points to the presence of “doubtful citizens,” which necessitated stringent measures such as linking Aadhaar applications with NRC credentials.
This new directive requires individuals applying for Aadhaar to furnish their NRC application receipt number (ARN), which serves as evidence of their residency in Assam prior to 2014, a key cutoff for establishing citizenship in the state. The requirement also includes obtaining a no-objection certificate from district commissioners, ensuring thorough checks before the issuance of the Aadhaar card.
While this policy has stirred political debate, it is being presented as a method to curb the alleged “influx of foreigners” into Assam. Sarma asserted that the measure aligns with the federal government’s power to let states regulate Aadhaar issuance, thereby giving Assam more control over the process. However, the state has made exemptions for 955,000 residents whose biometric data were locked during the NRC process. This exemption also covers individuals residing in Assam’s tea gardens, where logistical challenges like a shortage of biometric machines have delayed Aadhaar registration.
As the state gears up to enforce this policy, there is an ongoing effort to finalize a standard operating procedure (SOP) to streamline implementation. The state government hopes that these additional requirements will create a more robust identification system that prevents illegal immigrants from securing Aadhaar cards, a document increasingly critical for accessing public services and welfare schemes across India.