The Assam government has stopped issuing Aadhaar to adults, citing both saturation and infiltration concerns. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision after reviewing the state’s Aadhaar enrollment status. He explained that the state had already achieved near-total coverage of its genuine residents. However, he stressed that unchecked issuance risked misuse by infiltrators attempting to legitimise their stay in the state.
Sarma said the suspension was a precautionary step to safeguard the state’s identity and security. He highlighted that Assam shares a sensitive international border, making vigilance crucial. The decision has drawn wide attention, with experts debating its impact on governance, welfare, and citizenship verification.
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CM Himanta Sarma explains Aadhaar suspension
According to Sarma, Aadhaar had reached saturation levels in Assam. He argued that nearly all legitimate residents already hold Aadhaar, making further issuance unnecessary. At the same time, he pointed to the possibility of outsiders exploiting Aadhaar enrollment to enter welfare networks illegally.
The Chief Minister stated that the government will continue issuing Aadhaar to children below 18 years, but not to adults. This approach, he said, strikes a balance between maintaining coverage for future generations and stopping infiltration attempts. He linked the move directly to the state’s long-standing concerns about illegal migration and demographic shifts.
Sarma also noted that Aadhaar was never intended to determine citizenship. However, he warned that it could be misused by infiltrators if the state failed to act responsibly. For Assam, which has faced decades of migration-related issues, Aadhaar distribution required an extra layer of caution.
Political and social reactions to the decision
The announcement triggered political debate across Assam. Supporters argued that Sarma’s step was necessary to protect the state’s population records. They believe infiltration remains a pressing concern, especially along the porous border with Bangladesh. By halting Aadhaar for adults, the government aims to prevent outsiders from using documents to claim entitlements.
On the other hand, critics raised concerns about the move’s legality and fairness. They argued that denying Aadhaar to genuine adults who may have missed earlier enrollment could create barriers in accessing services. Aadhaar is widely used for welfare benefits, banking, and identity verification. Restricting new issuance, they warned, may harm marginalised groups.
Civil society activists urged the government to adopt stronger verification mechanisms instead of a blanket halt. They pointed out that Aadhaar plays a central role in schemes like ration distribution, pension, and direct benefit transfers. Leaving some genuine residents out could deepen inequality.
Aadhaar, migration, and Assam’s history
Assam has a complex history with migration. For decades, the state has debated demographic changes caused by cross-border movement. The issue led to the creation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), a massive exercise to identify genuine citizens. Over 19 lakh names were excluded from the NRC list in 2019, sparking fresh political battles.
Against this backdrop, Aadhaar has been both useful and controversial. While it offers a uniform identity system, many fear it could blur the distinction between citizens and non-citizens. The latest move by Sarma reflects this tension. By halting Aadhaar for adults, the government hopes to block any backdoor entry for infiltrators.
Experts also point out that the decision aligns with Assam’s demand for stronger border management. For years, political leaders across parties have flagged the risks of unchecked enrollment in sensitive regions. Aadhaar’s universal nature, critics argue, sometimes clashes with Assam’s unique demographic challenges.
Impact on welfare delivery and services
Stopping Aadhaar issuance may affect welfare delivery in the short term. Aadhaar has become a central identity proof for accessing government schemes. Residents without it may face delays in receiving subsidies or opening bank accounts.
The government has assured that children under 18 will continue to receive Aadhaar cards. This ensures that the next generation remains covered for education, health, and welfare schemes. However, adult residents who lack Aadhaar may struggle, especially in rural areas.
Some experts suggest that the state could issue special verification drives to identify genuine residents before enrollment. This approach, they argue, would balance security with inclusivity. The government has not yet announced any such alternative system, leaving many questions unanswered.
The national perspective on Aadhaar saturation
Across India, Aadhaar coverage has already reached over 95%. Many states consider their systems near saturation. Assam, however, faces a unique context due to its migration concerns. Sarma’s statement underscores that saturation alone does not explain the halt. It is the infiltration risk that makes Assam’s case different.
Other states have not adopted similar measures, keeping adult enrollment open. This makes Assam the only state to suspend Aadhaar issuance for adults on security grounds. National agencies like the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) have not publicly opposed the move so far.
Observers say Assam’s decision may set a precedent for other border states. If infiltration remains a concern elsewhere, similar restrictions could be discussed. For now, Assam stands alone in linking Aadhaar enrollment with border security.
Looking ahead: balancing security and inclusion
The coming months will test Assam’s Aadhaar policy. The state must ensure that genuine residents are not unfairly excluded. At the same time, it must prevent infiltrators from exploiting identity systems. Striking this balance will require robust verification, clear communication, and efficient grievance redressal.
CM Sarma has framed the halt as a proactive security step. However, opposition parties may use the issue to challenge the government’s handling of welfare. Civil society groups are also likely to demand safeguards for vulnerable residents.
For Assam, the Aadhaar decision adds another chapter to its complex story of identity, migration, and governance. While security remains crucial, inclusion cannot be ignored. The success of this move will depend on how the government manages both.
